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

44 CHAPTER IV. The dancing-girl comes to the temple to perform her devotions—The parrot (in the character of the goddess) addresses her, promising to gratify her with anything she may desire—He then ridicules and disgraces her, under the pretext of imposing ceremonies necessary for the realisation of her wishes—Koobjuck the sentinel, who per- sonated King Vickram, becomes tyrannical, and oppresses his subjects —A brahmin threatens him with the vengeance of heaven, and sets out in search of King Vickram—He arrives at a temple dedicated to Shiva, where he meets a young prince named Duntsain, who relates his sorrows—The brahmin proceeds towards the city of Sendoornuggry, and halts at the temple of the goddess Kallika—The parrot overhears the brahmin's lamentations and prayers, and converses with him—He owns himself to be Vickram, and sets out for Oujein, with the brahmin—On the way they meet Prince Duntsain at the temple of Shiva, and engage in an attempt to gain the Princess Pudmavutty as his wife—The princess imposes a difficult task upon King Vickram, who has assumed the form of a brahmin, and the brahmin that of a parrot—He calls upon Veytal, who appears, and promises to assist him. IN the verdant grove briefly sketched in the conclusion of the last chapter, roamed the parrot after regaining his liberty in so miraculous a manner. The first night was spent on the boughs of one of the trees. On the morrow, he directed his attention to the exploration of the beauties and natural attractions the locality presented. The trees were loaded with delicious fruit, tempting to the eye and inviting to the palate. Here, then, might have been seen the little parrot, luxuriating among the vegetation, and enjoying all that nature in her mildest and most refreshing form presented to the view, flying from tree to tree, tasting of one fruit and then of another, and thus, by turns, of all the variety that could there be found. In this peaceful occupation he was startled by the sudden appearance of his dire enemy the actress, and her slave, the tool of her follies and crimes. They both emerged from under the clump of trees abutting