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

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conducted him to a bath, which had been previously ordered to be prepared. On his return she took off his travelling garb, and arrayed him in a suit of unusual value and richness. "It would be impossible to convey any just idea of Prince Soomunt's joy. He was heard to say to himself, 'Oh, the dear and generous princess! What a treasure has this day been restored to me! I thank heaven for guiding my steps to this city. It gives me cause to hope that a long life of happiness is before me—even more than my heart can be said to desire.' The next day Malattee did not appear in her kingly garb, but having dressed herself like one of her own sex, and as became her position in life, she sent for one of the officers, and ordered him to summon the minister to her apartment forthwith. When the minister entered the chamber, in obedience to the com- mand of his king, he was surprised to see a lady of such extraordinary beauty there, and whom he had never before seen. The princess, however, put an end to his conjectures at once, by entering upon a relation of her own and Prince Soomunt's history. He listened to her in silence and admiration. When she had ended the narrative, she direct- ed him to manage the affairs of her government, with as much care and diligence as possible, for the space of a month from that day, as she would not appear in court until her beloved Soomunt was perfectly recovered from the indis- position attendant upon his long and harassing journey. She would, however, give him all the assistance in her power during her temporary absence from the public. "The Princess Malattee entertained the prince with a series of the most magnificent festivals, such as royalty alone could command: and every care and attention being at the same time bestowed on the restoration of his health, the prince, before the expiration of the month, had regained his usual strength and spirits, and was in all respects pre- pared to enter into any business of weight and importance. He now appeared to the princess, after the rest and comfort