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

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enough the object of their vulgar admiration was deserving of any amount of praise. On hearing the tale, the actress immediately repaired to the well, and there found the princess seated in the same place, beautiful as Hebe, and as humble in her demeanour as a slave. The actress inquired into the condition of the wandering princess, and as to how she intended disposing of herself. Finding that she had no visible means of support, nor a home to receive her, the wily actress offered to admit her into her house, where she would, she said, find every necessary comfort. The unfor- tunate princess wished to know, before she proceeded with the actress, what services would be required of her in return for the asylum offered. 'Dancing, singing, and the enjoy- ment which wealth and charms will most assuredly secure for you,' said the actress. The princess felt hurt at this giddy and unfeeling talk, and replied that she could not think of accepting the proffered kindness on the terms proposed; 'but,' said she, 'I will be content to serve you if you will give me for my trouble a quantity of undressed corn sufficient to live upon. I must stipulate, however, that the services I render to you shall be other than those you propose. You must teach me to grind and pound corn, and the other domestic arts involved in housekeeping. If you promise me this I will follow you.' The actress, not wishing to enter into an argument there, as both the time and place were unsuited to the purpose, agreed to the conditions of the handsome traveller, thinking she would easily bring her round to her own purposes after she had tasted the comforts of her home, and otherwise experienced her bounty and kindness. The princess accordingly accepted the offer, especially as her condition rendered it imperative that she should remain in some asylum, at least until after her confinement, after which she purposed devising some plan for her future guidance. They accordingly proceeded together to the residence of the actress. The princess, however, notwithstanding the importunities of the actress, could not be persuaded to enter into any of the