Note 6 — Chapter XLVI

“When I heard that, I said, ‘What, what? Who is he? Listen, he has been created by Śiva as your future emperor. If he is a mortal, then mortals have attained divinity, and the Vidyádharas have seen the valour of that mortal; moreover, if he comes here, we shall soon see which party will be destroyed.’ When I said this in wrath, that assembly was disturbed. And Śrutaśarman and Dhurandhara rushed forward to slay me. And I said to them—‘Come now, let me see your valour!’ Then Dámodara rose up, and restrained them, exclaiming ‘Peace! an ambassador and a Bráhman must not be slain.’ Then Vikramaśakti said to me—‘Depart, ambassador, for we, like your master, are all created by Śiva. So let him come, and we will see whether we are able to entertain him or not.’ When he said this in a haughty manner, I laughed and said, ‘The swans utter their cries in the lotus-bower and enjoy themselves much, until they see the cloud that comes darkening the heaven.’ After saying this I rose up in a contemptuous manner, left the court, and came here.” When Maya and others heard this from Prahasta, they were pleased. And they all, Súryaprabha and the rest, determined on preparing for battle, and made Prabhása, the impetuous in war, their general. And receiving the command from Suvásakumára, they all prepared that day with strict vows to consecrate themselves for the combat.6