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

185 CHAPTER XII. Veytal re-appears, in the form of a peculiar description of swan, and commences to relate the history of the Princess Chitrangee and Charoo, the merchant's son. WHEN the peacock made his exit, as related at the conclusion of the last chapter, there remained only a prahur* to sun-rise. The Princess Pudmavutty and the disguised brahmin were much delighted with the narration of the peacock, and wished that some other bird would make its appearance and amuse them in a like manner, which would enable them to sit out the remainder of the night in the enjoyment of similar pleasure. They had barely time to give expression to their thoughts, when the Veytal again appeared, for the fourth time, in the shape of a Rajhouse,† and took up his seat upon the chowrung, as the three other birds had done. It must be recollected that the brahmin was the only person present who knew it to be the Veytal. The fine shape and beautiful feathers of the Rajhouse contrasted so strongly with his odd tricks and apparently funny disposition, that the princess fell into an immoderate fit of laughter, but she did not tell it to commence its tale, which as usual fell to the brahmin, who addressed the Rajhouse in the following words:—"Oh most excellent bird!—I pray you do us the favour of diverting us with a tale until the dawn, which will not be long in coming. We have spent the greater portion of the night in listening to the interesting tales of three different birds, and I sincerely hope you will contribute to our amusement from the store of knowledge you doubtlessly possess." The * A period of three hours. † A peculiar description of swan. Y