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

232 they would no longer partake of the food. Charoo was alike astonished and delighted to see the chief of the fishes before him in the guise of a man; so he paid him some high compliments and then began to relate the whole of Chitrangee's misfortunes, which he acknowledged had been brought on by his own obstinacy, adding that he fed the fishes with the view of securing their aid to release his wife from her miserable bondage. 'Will you,' said Charoo, 'be good enough to tell me whether you or any of your tribe have found in your rambles a new rock? If so, you will confer a very great favor on me by bringing the rock to the shore, so that its surface may be exposed to the rays of the sun.' The chief of the fishes desired Charoo to wait for a few minutes, telling him that he would hasten back to him after making the necessary enquiries. "The chief, having left Charoo on the sea-shore, proceeded to his friends in the deep, and enquired whether any of them had discovered a new rock in the sea. They having replied in the affirmative, he ordered them all to set about removing the rock to the beach or as near the shore as possible. Having given his orders he returned to Charoo, and acquainted him with the joyful intelligence that his comrades were even then engaged in removing the rock to the shore, and that by to-morrow he might expect to have his wishes realised. Charoo thanked him heartily for his trouble and civility, and added that he fully relied on the promise and assurance given by the chief, who shortly afterwards disappeared. "Before it was quite day, Charoo made his appearance on the beach, bringing an additional quantity of the best description of food for the fishes. He looked towards the sea, but could see nothing of the rock, as it was very foggy; but in a little time he was agreeably surprised to find that 'the fishes had really removed the rock to the shore. In an extacy of delight he raised his hands to heaven, and thanked God for his mercy and the infinitude of his power. As he turned he beheld near him the chief of the fishes, whom he