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

157 arts, as well as some rare and wonderful charms, such as were known but to few human beings. Hurridass prostrated himself a second time, and renewed his thanks; he then decided on taking up his residence for a time with the hermit. "Let us now see how Prince Sewdass fared with his beloved Moheeny. He was in the enjoyment of ease and happiness, there being nothing wanting to render a reason- able mind contented and peaceful. The giant had hoarded up plenty of provisions and other needful articles, for the use of Moheeny, before he brought her to the cavern; and there was a deep river, full of fish, on the side of the moun- tain, close to the cavern. One day the prince and Moheeny took a walk together towards this river, and they sat down on its bank to watch the various fishes sporting before them. It was indeed a quiet and delicious retreat. As they sat thus, a sudden movement, as of contention, was observable among the fish. The prince had, in an affectionate manner, wound his arm round the princess' neck, which caused the centre diamond of her necklace, which was of extraordinary size and brilliancy, to drop into the river, and it was immediately swallowed by one of the fish. The prince grieved at the loss of the diamond, and for a time sat without uttering a word. So sat the princess also,—not in anger, but in grief. They retired to their dwelling with heavy hearts, and Sewdass, observing that the princess appeared unusually out of sorts, which he attributed to the irritation she felt at her loss, said to her, 'I pray you, let me know the value of the diamond, and I will endeavour to replace it.' Moheeny hung down her head, but did not speak a word in reply, so deeply absorbed was her mind. The prince continued,—'If a man be once dead, he will never again return to life: his wife and children may lament him as much as they please, and even sacrifice their own lives, in vain. Should an article of small size be dropped into the ocean, it would be useless seeking for it there. The pleasure we derive from any one source has its