विक्रम चरित (उज्जैन सम्राट् विक्रमादित्य - पराक्रम, न्याय एवं ३२ पुतलियों की कथा सटीक)

mind she addressed her companion in the Sanscrit, the language usually employed by princes and nobles in those days, but the thief, not being familiar with it, could not respond to the sentiments she expressed, many of which called for reply. She, as may naturally be concluded, was surprised at this unusual silence on the part of the prince, who formerly had barely allowed a word to escape her without participating fully in her feelings and responding to them, or, if wrong, gently correcting them. At this time, too, there was sufficient light for distinguishing each other, and, oh!—with what horror and dismay did she not behold, as she turned an inquiring glance on the man beside her, the countenance which was presented to her wondering eyes! He had neither nose nor ears,—his right hand had been cut off at the wrist,—he was black and dirty, coarsely clad, and presented altogether a most unseemly and revolting appearance! She screamed at the sight of this wretched and frightful-looking being, and soon lost all her presence of mind. He tried to soothe her, and the princess, becoming gradually aware of the position she was in, and suspecting into what hands she had fallen, was wise and considerate enough not to carry her antipathy too far, lest he should be provoked to ill-treat her. She became at last calm; her sorrow, however, weighed heavily upon her, and she was in all respects an object of pity; yet she very prudently refrained from audibly expressing the agony of her feelings. “ It was now broad day, the sun began to shed forth his lustre from the heavens, and they were approaching a city which stood before them. The thief, addressing Malattee, said, ‘ Fair princess, I wish you to understand that I am a resident in yonder city. I am about to convey you to my house, and it is my earnest request that you will for the future consider yourself mistress of all I possess. By attending to my concerns and presiding over my domestic affairs, you will secure for yourself a happy retreat, and also enjoy every sort of pleasure.’ Malattee disguised her P