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

62 to grant your visitor the satisfaction he solicits, by permit- ting me to commence the story." The princess paid no attention to this, but continued silent. The bird, seeing how taciturn she had all of a sudden become, and knowing the cause, continued his supplication, saying, "I beseech you, oh, goddess! my adored angel, and most kind hostess! would that it were possible for me to express in adequate terms my feelings of joy on beholding you! I have seen and do see daily, during my perambulations, vast numbers of handsome women, acknowledged beauties, but never have my eyes beheld such heavenly charms concentrated in one single individual as I have now the inexpressible joy of paying homage to; indeed, I am so overcome with feelings of delight, that I can scarce be said to be in possession of my senses. Permit me, fair lady, to relate a truly inter- esting story, abounding in wit and mirth. Cast your eyes upon me, and allow me to proceed; it will afford much pleasure to the brahmin beside you, and no less to yourself. Your impenetrable silence affects me much, good mistress. I cannot form an idea as to the cause of the melancholy with which you appear to be overwhelmed, and which seems to have almost struck you dumb." The princess was seated in sullen silence, with her eyes fixed, and gazing intently on vacancy, and would neither bestow a single glance upon the parrot nor utter a word of encouragement to him. Amongst the numerous slaves and others surrounding the princess, was one who observed the efforts of the bird to attract her attention, and pitied his failure. She ventured to entreat her mistress that the parrot might be allowed to proceed with his story, and that she would deign to sanction it, as there was doubtless much pleasure to be derived from it. This being a favorite domestic of the princess, she obtained a hearing, and the princess was prevailed upon, though with much evident reluctance, to break silence. She ordered the parrot to proceed with his story. On receiving the order, the bird seemed transported with joy, and instantly set about relating his tale.