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

146 appropriate devotions. Having one day travelled a long stage, they rested for awhile, during which time they noticed at a distance a large lake, and on its bank a small hut of peculiar construction, which excited their curiosity, and they determined to visit it. Accordingly, they drew near to it, and found that it was inhabited by an old hermit, who had lived in that spot for a period of twelve years. He was a venerable and devout-looking personage, and when they entered he was just in the act of rising from his devotions. They prostrated themselves at his feet, and besought his benediction, which having bestowed, he raised them from their humble posture and bade them be seated. He enquired after their health, where they came from, and their object in travelling towards such a retired spot. The two youths did not hesitate to make themselves known, and the reason which had led them to leave their respective homes. The hermit listened to their story very attentively, and finding that one of his visitors was the son of the king of Rutnapoory, he wished to be informed if he could be of any service to a person of so noble and exalted a rank, and in what manner he could accommodate him. They told him that all they required of him was, to be allowed to take up their residence with him for four months, until the rainy season should cease, and that they would then cease to incommode him, by resuming their travels. The hermit at once gladly consented, and assured them that, as far as it lay in his power, nothing should be wanting to make them comfortable. He then conducted them into an inner room, and having spread food before them, he retired, and left them to refresh themselves after their journey. He also had their horses well fed, watered, and housed. During their stay with the hermit their time was well employed. He was frequently visited by devout and religious men from all quarters, from whose conversation they derived substantial instruction. He him- self, being a man of learning, often spent some hours with them, and greatly assisted them in their studies. "At length the four months of their sojourn were fast