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

179 proceed in their search for Moheeny beyond the precincts of the cave, and therefore they made a hasty meal and came out together. A few steps further on they found another of the jewels, and so on at short distances from each other : these they gathered, and continued to follow the track. In a few days they arrived at the city where Moheeny was ; and here they heard almost every man whom they met speak of a certain lady of high rank and rare beauty who had recently been brought to the palace, and who was then engaged in performing a ceremony to a certain deity, and that the ceremony was to conclude on that day. This lady, they said, had been brought from a remote place by a widow named Shambae, who was in the king's service, and had been sent to fetch this lovely creature, who was now deservedly admired by all, about four months before. The prince and his friend, on hearing this intelligence, were extremely concerned, and much incensed against the said widow ; they could not help cursing both her and the king. They, however, lost no time in disguising themselves like respectable devotees, and in hastening to the palace. On their arrival the attendants conducted them, by the king's orders, to the assemblage of priests, who importuned them to assist at the last ceremony of the nine days' celebration. Moheeny, when she saw them, immediately recognised them, and received them with every demonstration of joy and respect, entreating them to assist her in the purnahooty.* Moheeny then sent for the widow, and, when she came, desired her to tell his majesty to send all his royal treasure, both jewels and cash, to be laid before the deity. It was brought accordingly, by order of the king, and piled before the deity in a circle. This latter ceremony was performed in the apartment allotted to Moheeny. The last rite having been performed, she distributed immense treasure and large quantities of clothing to the Brahmins, who, after regaling

• A particular burnt-offering to several deities, made at the close of certain ceremonies.