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

166 If he tells you that he loves you with all his soul, you may be assured he is not to be believed ; the true sign of affec- tion is when the wife can without hesitation say whether or not her husband's love is exclusively hers. I hope you wilt obtain an answer on this subject from the prince, and that it may not be accompanied by some unfeeling threat.' Moheeny asked Shambae how she could propose that such a ridiculous and unfeeling question should be put to the prince. 'I know,' continued she, 'that my husband will not refuse to reveal any secret to me, if I request him to do so. No ; I am sure he will tell me without a moment's hesitation.' Shambae, after this conversation, busied herself with her usual occupation, and set about preparing the evening meal. When it was ready, Moheeny and the prince partook of it, after which they retired for the night. "Shortly after their retirement, Moheeny, addressing the prince, said, 'Dear Sewdass, I have a request to make of you, and I conjure you to answer me. If you have the same love for me as I have for you, you will not hesitate to comply with my desire. You are a prince by birth, and I have been an eye-witness to your valour and bravery, which——' Here the prince interrupted her before she had time to finish the sentence, and said, 'Do not lengthen your discourse, my love, but tell me at once what it is you desire.' Moheeny eagerly said, 'I wish to be informed what death you will die, and what circumstances will attend your dissolution.' The prince heard her with feelings of horror and disgust, and was enraged to such a degree that, falling back in his bed against a cushion which supported him, he addressed Moheeny in an indignant and scornful tone. 'I all along thought,' said he, 'that you were a woman of sense and discretion, but what you have now pre- sumed to ask convinces me that I have been wrong in my calculation of your worth and merit. Tell me, I beseech you, what could have induced you to put such a question to me ? You must be aware that such a proceeding on your part can only tend to lessen my esteem for you. I advise