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

79 bitter tears of grief as she thus reflected on her situation. After a short stay she continued her journey. The moun- tain on the opposite side consisted of several extensive cultivated fields. As she descended into the valley below, she observed before her, in a large plain, a city, with a great lake, on perceiving which she became delighted with the prospect of so soon approaching human habitations. Though she was nearly exhausted by her journey, she made towards this city. It was called Shewpoory, and the king's name was Shrimunt. She came near a tank outside the fort, where the women of the city were engaged in drawing water. She approached them, and seated herself on one of the ledges of the rocks. Some few of the women from the city were also seated there, and observing the miserable plight of the new comer, whose feet were quite lacerated by the stones over which she had travelled, and her noble air and carriage, surrounded her and began earnestly to question her. They asked her where she had come from, and what had brought her there. Some even said that they suspected, from her appearance and dress, that she was a person of exalted rank, and that they were surprised to find her in that plight. The unfortunate princess replied to all this, that what was written in her fate she must go through. 'I am a stranger,' continued she, 'and have none to depend upon but God. I will live in any condition He may be pleased to allot to me, because I am his creature.' Some slaves of a famous actress in the city were also at the well, and accosted the princess. They wished to know, like the others, where the princess had come from, and how she contemplated earning a living for herself,—whether she had any one with her, or whether she was alone. She replied, 'I have no other companion but God, who created me, and I am certain He will provide for me too.' The slaves on their return home told their mistress of the arrival of a person in the city, of great beauty and attraction, but, withal, suffering from her recent travels, and without any ostensible means of support. Of her beauty they spoke in no measured terms ; and sure