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

61 CHAPTER V. Vickram reposes in the palace of Princess Pudmavuntty—Veytal appears, in the form of a parrot, and commences to relate the history of King Bhudrasain, his son Soorsain, and the princess his wife. KING VICKRAMADETEA, under the guise of the brahmin, now reposed within the splendid and sumptuous palace of the Princess Pudmavuntty. At the same time the spirit of Veytal transformed himself into a parrot that was represented in one of the paintings on the wall, and came down and rested near where Vickramadetea and the princess were reposing. He began by stroking and flapping his wings in a sly and knowing manner. The princess, observing this unusual circumstance and great novelty, was exceedingly amused; having never before witnessed such a strange faculty in a bird, she involuntarily commenced laughing. The parrot, seeing this, redoubled his efforts: drawing a mark in front of him with his claw, he continued his tricks, and gave unmistakeable signs of his knowledge of the state of affairs between her and the man beside her, to whom he pointed from time to time. The brahmin, observing that the princess had laughed, thus addressed the parrot:—"Oh, beautiful, lovely, and knowing bird! may I now solicit of you a parti- cular favour? I would you could be persuaded to relate to us one of the many amusing and pleasant stories which are doubtless stored in your little head, from the recounting of which the princess may derive both instruction and amuse- ment, while I shall equally profit by it." The parrot replied, "I should consider it to be the height of presump- tion were I to attempt to do so at your desire, and without the express sanction of my mistress. I must therefore address myself first to the lady. I pray, madam," said the parrot, addressing the princess, "that you will be pleased D