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

130 break an oath so solemnly made.' When Malattee saw he was not to be moved from his purpose, she said, 'Your Malattee may have married some other person.' 'No,' replied he; 'your majesty must be aware that if she wished to marry any other, she would have married the man whom her father had with much trouble and expense procured for her; besides, she has sworn to look upon no other man save as a father or a brother. I am therefore quite easy on that head, knowing that nothing but death can sever us.' Hearing this, Malattee indulged in an immoderate fit of laughter. 'I hope,' said she, still laughing, 'you will now enjoy that happiness with your beloved Malattee which you have been so long deprived of, for she is now within my palace!' She desired him to wait there a moment, and she would bring her to him. She then went into her private apartments, took off her kingly robes, and, attiring herself in her marriage suit, with the ornaments she had worn on the day of their separation, she re-entered the room where Soomunt was in waiting. He recognised her at the first glance, ran to her, and tenderly embraced her. 'Ah! how much I am indebted to the king,' exclaimed he, 'who has so agreeably surprised me! Why does he not return, that I may thank him?' 'Do not expect to see the king any more,' replied the princess, with tears of joy in her eyes, 'but let us sit down, and I will explain the mystery to you.' "They sat down, after the joy of Soomunt at this unex- pected meeting had subsided, and the princess informed him of every circumstance that had befallen her since the night on which the garland had caused their separation, and also that the thief was then at the anashutre. They then began to express their gratitude to heaven, and to thank each other for their constancy in the most affectionate terms that true love could dictate. The prince chid Malattee gently for allowing him to remain so long in her presence without making herself known to him, but she prostrated herself before him, soliciting his pardon for it; and then