their language, and to clothe the skeleton with flesh and blood.

To My Uncle,

ROBERT BAGSHAW, OF DOVERCOURT,

These Tales,
That Will Remind Him Of A Land Which
He Knows So Well,
Are Affectionately Inscribed.


VIKRAM AND THE VAMPIRE.

INTRODUCTION

The sage Bhavabhuti -- Eastern teller of these tales -- after making
his initiatory and propitiatory conge to Ganesha, Lord of Incepts,
informs the reader that this book is a string of fine pearls to be
hung round the neck of human intelligence; a fragrant flower to be
borne on the turband of mental wisdom; a jewel of pure gold,
which becomes the brow of all supreme minds; and a handful of
powdered rubies, whose tonic effects will appear palpably upon
the mental digestion of every patient. Finally, that by aid of the
lessons inculcated in the following pages, man will pass happily
through this world into the state of absorption, where fables will be
no longer required.

He then teaches us how Vikramaditya the Brave became King of
Ujjayani.