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

141 fortunately succeeded in arresting his uplifted arm. ‘What deed of wickedness are you about to perpetrate?’ demanded he; ‘do you wish to hurry yourself into eternity with all your misdeeds and imperfections on your head? Is this the morality and wisdom which you have learnt from our holy religion? Do you not fear God? Desist, I pray you desist!’ ‘I fear God, and none else,’ replied the now desperate prince; ‘but as life has no longer any charms for me, what is left me but to die?’ Hurridass replied, ‘Do not rush headlong to destruction. Bide your time. He who lives in the fear of God, and places his dependence on Him, may rest in peace; no real evil can befal him. What may appear as trials to the short-sighted vision of man, are but blessings in disguise. Losses, disappoint- ments, bereavements, and pains, ought each and all to be looked upon as corrections and admonitions dealt out by a fatherly hand, and therefore blessings. Let a man but have patience, and put his faith in the Almighty, and he will surmount all the difficulties that may present themselves to him. You must be aware of all this, my dear prince, and yet you are so rash and intemperate as to attempt to lay violent hands on yourself, and thus to sacrifice a life so precious as yours is to all—to me in particular! Alas! your rashness makes me relent: I cannot, considering the resolve that has now taken possession of your mind,—of putting an end to your existence if we do not continue our friendship,—hesitate a moment to do as you wish, though at a great and imminent personal hazard to myself. ‘What!’ exclaimed the wretched prince, ‘do you hold out hopes for me?’ ‘I was going to say,’ continued Hurri- dass, ‘that I consider I should be endangering your life were I to refuse compliance with your wishes; I must therefore even swerve from my determination’—‘And consent!’ cried the prince. ‘You have said it,’ replied Hurridass; ‘I must resolve on leaving my parents and home on your account. Let us not be rash, however, but give the subject a few hours’ consideration.’ ‘Tush!’ cried the