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

163 the river. Shambae entered, with great hesitation, and was surprised to find herself in a most delightful and spacious hall. She advanced a little further, and beheld the beauti- ful Moheeny seated on a couch, with the prince reclining negligently by her side. Shambae stood rooted to the spot, as if spell-bound at so much beauty and perfection. She dared not and could not advance further, so she made signs to Moheeny to approach. Moheeny was astonished also, but her astonishment arose from a different cause to that of the intruder : she thought only of the audacity of the woman in venturing at once into the cave, without leave or warning. Then again she thought it might be some unfortunate woman who had been bereft of all she possessed by some of the prowlers of the forest, and who now sought her help and protection. As this idea crossed her mind, she rose from her seat and approached the widow, saying, ‘Well, what is your business in this place?’ Shambae threw herself at the feet of the beauteous lady, and, in the most piteous and mournful tone, replied, ‘Have pity, oh, lady!—my good angel, and goddess of beauty! I am a poor helpless widow: God has left me neither son nor daughter to be the prop of my old age, which is the cause of my having determined on seeking for death in this wild and desolate place, and thus find relief from the cruel grief which now rends my heart! I thought and believed I should meet with no human being here, but God has provi- dentially directed me to this secluded dwelling. I am glad indeed that I should have the good fortune to come into the presence of so noble and handsome a lady. I humbly ask you to keep me in your service. I can cook well, and perform every domestic duty.’ During this address Sham- bae made a great show of grief, and shed an abundance of tears. All this seemed very extraordinary to Moheeny, though she pitied greatly the distressed object before her. She told her, however, that the prince her husband was then asleep, but as soon as he awoke she would ask his permission to keep her in her service. The prince awoke