Page:A Descriptive Catalogue of the Oriental Manuscripts, Vol. 2.djvu/59

 Tales, Poems, Ethical and Religious compositions, $c. ass l.—Soma$ekhara and Chitrasekhara Kathd. a. palm leaves — b. do. — c. do. — d. do.— e. do. The adventures of two princes, sons of Vajramu- kuta king of Retnapuri, comprising a number of amusing incidents, several of which are familiar in western story telling — as will appear from the fol- lowing summary : — The king of Retnapuri, Vajramuhula^ had two sons by the favour of Siva y Somasekhara and Ckitrasekhara who in addi- tion to the ordinary accomplishments of princes became expert jugglers and thieves. Having heard of the beauty of llupd* vati) the daughter of Vikrama king of Lilavaii, and being de- sirous of humiliating his pride, the princes in opposition to the wishes of their father, proceeded to that capital, deter- mined to secure the hand of Rupdvaii for one of them. Not- withstanding the city was guarded by ten thousand giants who had baffled and destroyed the emissaries employed by Indra to bring him a description of the charms of the Princess, they effected their entrance. They next obtained admission into the Palace, and in spite of every precaution plundered the King and. Queen and Princess of their jewels, and stripped their majesties and aU the maids of honor of their garments—* VOL. II. H