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

159 compared to it. This was the fish which had swallowed the diamond. Having admired it for some time, he deposited it, with the others, in two baskets, which he slung across his shoulder, and in this way he went home. He gave the finest fish to his wife, to be dressed for his dinner, asking her to have it ready by the time he returned from the market. The fisherman's wife, on opening the belly of the fish, found therein the rich diamond, set in gold. Its brightness dazzled her eyes, and shone through every crevice in the humble dwelling. The woman had had some ex- perience in things of this sort, she therefore wrapped up the jewel in a piece of cloth the instant she found it, lest some one should see it and deprive her of the treasure. She was quite elated with the prize; and, as she hastily set about preparing her husband's dinner, she felt impatient to impart the joyful tidings to him. When the fisherman returned from the market, his wife placed his meal before him, and being hungry, not having had a good dinner for the previous four or five days, he fell to heartily. When he had ap- peased his hunger, his wife told him of the diamond she had found, and he desired her to produce it. As soon as he saw it, he was struck with amazement at its brilliancy and evident value, and could not help giving utterance to an exclamation of joy at the sight of the unexpected wealth before him, which would render him rich and independent for the remainder of his life. He knew pretty well the value of the diamond, and he cautioned his wife not to tell any one of their good luck. 'God has so bountifully provided for us,' said he, 'in consideration, doubtless, of the continued distresses to which we have been subject.' He told his wife he would take the diamond to the king of the city, who, being a worthy and good man, would no doubt reward him liberally. Accordingly, having clad himself in mean apparel, he placed the diamond in a common plate, and took it to the palace, where, on presenting himself, he was asked by one of the attendants what he wanted. He said he had brought a certain article for his majesty, and