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

142 prince; 'no more evasion! You have consented to my proposals; and only on one condition do I return the sword to its place—that you do not go back from your word.' They then affectionately embraced each other, and mingled their tears, after which, lest they should be seen together by the minister, they retired to a secluded place for the purpose of deliberating on their future movements. After a few minutes spent in conversation, Hurridass said, 'Will you, my dear prince, allow me to make the first pro- position? I feel convinced that it will meet your approval.' 'I shall, I am sure, have no voice apart from yours,' replied the prince; 'pray go on.' 'It is expedient,' continued Hurridass, 'that we forthwith leave this city, the scene of our happy childhood, and travel to some other clime more congenial to our present condition and circumstances, where we may uninterruptedly enjoy each other's society in peace and contentment, and thus ensure for ourselves that serenity of mind which is necessary for the devoting ourselves to the various branches of art and science. There, too, when not otherwise engaged, we can indulge ourselves in works of charity and benevolence—visit the saints, and — give alms to the poor; and there we may, if God so wills it, die together, and let our dust be mingled within the small compass of one and the same grave. To remain here and continue our intimacy would be to bring ruin on our- selves: our fathers will most assuredly discard us, and perhaps do us some greater injury. What say you, my dear prince?' 'Be it so,' replied Sewdass; 'your counsel is good, and you have displayed your usual soundness of judgment in it. I also perceive, more than ever, the goodness of your heart and the sincerity of your kind regard for me.' Having thus determined on leaving the city together, they retired to make the necessary preparations, promising to meet the next day at a certain time and place which had been agreed upon between them. They hastily provided them- selves with some money and other necessaries essential for the journey, and at the appointed hour the youths met at