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

175 whence came you ? I never before felt for the handsomest among women what I now feel for you ! From the day on which I became possessed of the rich diamond, I have been like one in a trance, and your lovely presence restores me to life, love, and happiness !' Then, turning to Shambae, who stood by, he said, ' My good woman, you have placed me under a deep debt of gratitude : but for you I should ere this have been numbered with the dead. I give you credit for the greatest tact and ability, and you shall hence- forth have charge of all my queens. I thank you sincerely for all you have done : you have acted the part of a great and skilful physician, and have cured me of my malady. You may rest assured you shall not go unre- warded.' The king continued praising this woman exces- sively, adding at last that she even surpassed his minister in capacity and judgment ; and she was immediately made matron and keeper of his queens' apartments. “ At night, after supper, the king sent for Shambae, and desired her to ask Moheeny whether she would allow him to pass the night with her. The widow accordingly repaired to Moheeny's room,.and begged her to grant his majesty's request. Moheeny smiled, and said, ' I should have had much pleasure in acknowledging my gratitude and esteem for the king by obeying him at once, but that I have made a vow to a certain deity, which precludes the possibility— for the present, at least—of compliance. I have been very fortunate in falling into such good hands. My vow was made for the purpose of securing a good and happy position, when the death of my husband left me without a friend or protector. This I have now obtained, but I cannot on any account agree to the king's proposal until after I shall have fulfilled the vrut.* Only then can I venture to take part in anything worldly. Permit me also,' continued Moheeny, ' to thank you for your share in what has resulted in securing me so happy a condition. Your kindness I shall

• Consecration by vow.