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

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heroes of his age. He, on his part, became more and more enamoured of the lovely girl : not only did her personal charms captivate him, but her mental acquirements were also of the highest order. The prince went out for awhile, and Moheeny availed herself of the opportunity to declare her passion for him to Hurridass. ‘Oh !’ said she, ‘how happy should I be could I but continually be with him! It was my sudden and irresistible passion for him which reduced me to the condition in which you found me. I belong to a country very remote from this, and it would be an abuse of his goodness to ask him to travel thither; neither is it my wish to do so. I have made up my mind never more to visit it. If the prince will agree to live with me here, nothing shall be wanting on my part to render his stay comfortable, and suitable to his rank and position ; and, should he hereafter wish it, I shall be prepared to set out with him to the uttermost corner of the earth!’ She concluded by requesting Hurridass to inter- cede for her with the prince, in order that their union might be confirmed and their nuptials celebrated by himself. All this the latter communicated to Sewdass on his return, who, not a little elated, gave a joyful consent. The rite of Gundhervivahu* was accordingly performed by Hurridass the very next day, and Moheeny became the wife of Sewdass. The following morning they all three met together, and were greatly delighted at the aspect of affairs. “Soon after these events, Hurridass expressed a desire that their travels might be resumed, and he entreated the prince to accompany him by the right-hand road, as advised by the hermit. Sewdass begged to be excused, as his health, he said, would not permit him to undertake so long a journey. Hurridass, however, concluded that he was too much taken up with his beautiful partner to be persuaded to leave her; he therefore resolved upon prosecuting the journey alone. The prince regretted much that his friend

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• Marriage by mutual consent of the parties, without reference to parents or others.