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

165 of course, was imparted to the food with which it was mixed, the prince partook of his dinner with more than his usual appetite; but, strange to say, it had no effect beyond that of intoxicating him. Now, the prince’s Gooru had instruct- ed him how, by holding the little sword which had been given him in a peculiar manner, and by pronouncing certain mystical words, to counteract the effect of any injury which might be attempted against him. Finding himself, there- fore, unusually affected in the head, he had recourse to the sword, and became in a moment perfectly restored. The widow, who had calculated upon the death of the prince, was not a little surprised to find him alive and in his usual health, after the time allowed for the operation of the drug she had given him had elapsed. She was lost in astonished conjecture, and could not understand how the prince had escaped the effect of the potent poison. “ Baulked in this her first attempt, Shambae redoubled her efforts to remove the object of her hatred, who was also the only obstacle to the success of her great project. She had another plan in her head, and she proceeded to carry it out. One day, being alone with Moheeny, she addressed her thus :—‘ I have something to communicate to you, good lady, which it concerns you much to know, and is of the utmost importance to you.’ The princess asked her, with a smile, what it was. ‘ It is this, dear lady,’ said she ; ‘ you fancy, do you not, that your husband loves you with as much sincerity.and truth as you love him ?’ The happy Moheeny replied, ‘ Yes; what doubt can there be of it? He loves me. tenderly, and gives me every day fresh proofs of his regard.’ ‘ I don’t, however, believe it,’ said the wily Shambae ; ‘ you know—or if you do not, you ought to—that men are generally more faithless and hard-hearted than those of our sex. I thereforo advise you to try his love. If you think he is not jealous and suspicious of you, ask him to-night, when you find him in good humour, this question, ridiculous though it may seem, and you will soon be undeceived,—“ Pray, when and how will you die ?”