Page:Sagas from the Far East; or, Kalmouk and Mongolian traditionary tales.djvu/289

Rh "Surely, O Ardschi-Bordschi! it is not in earnest that thou art minded to ascend the steps of this sacred throne?" And all the thirty-two sculptured figures answered together,—

"Halt! O Ardschi-Bordschi!"

But the Sûta proceeded,—

"Knowest thou not, O Ardschi-Bordschi, that this throne in the days of old was the seat of the god Churmusta, and that after him it was given to none to set upon it, till Vikramâditja rose. Wherefore, O Ardschi-Bordschi, approach not to occupy it. Unless thou also art prepared to devote thy days, not to thine own pleasure, but to the service of the six classes of living beings, renounce the attempt to set foot on it." And all the thirty-two sculptured figures answered together,—

"Halt! O Ardschi-Bordschi!"

But the Sûta proceeded,—

"Art thou such a king as the great Vikramâditja? then come and sit upon his throne; but if not, then desist from the attempt." And all the thirty-two sculptured figures answered together,—

"Halt! O Ardschi-Bordschi!"

When they cried the third time, "Halt! O Ardschi-Bordschi!" the King himself, and all who stood there with him, fell on their faces before the throne, and worshipped it.

Then spoke another Sûta,—