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

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all subjects, as effectually, within a short time, to win the affection and esteem of every class. The young and accom- plished prince, meanwhile, passed his days in prosperity, content, and happiness. As in the days of the old monarchs, the actress who has figured in these pages was a frequent visitor at court, where, by her talent in singing, she estab- lished a sort of influence over the young king, who bestowed on her the highest encomiums. One day, the actress presented herself at court with the princess, whom she kept at a distance watching her shoes, which she left behind at the outer door. The prince, seeing the lovely being before him, (who was no other than his own mother, as our readers will recollect,) was, as it were, struck by her charms, and took a great interest in her. He was desirous of obtaining some knowledge of her, and with that view addressed himself to the actress. The prince was very minute in his inquiries, as may be imagined, regarding one who had in so forcible a manner gained his affections at first sight, and whose beauty was beyond description. The wicked actress said she belonged to her, and with an atrocity unknown in the most barbarous ages, proposed that if his majesty selected her for his choice, she would answer for the slave's (as she was pleased to call her) submission. ‘Your majesty,’ continued the actress, ‘need only come to my dwelling to have your wishes fulfilled in this respect.’ The prince having signified to her his intention of paying her a visit at the first opportunity, the actress left the palace, and retired to her lodgings, where she strove by every artifice to make the unfortunate woman in her power receive the youthful king with favor. After making known the intention of the king, she proceeded as follows:—‘I would advise you to be ready, neatly attired, and receive him with all due respect; and I doubt not you will in the end find it to your advantage.’ ‘I do not and cannot possibly feel any pleasure in the expected visit,’ said the now humble princess,—really a princess still, which title she cannot be said by any means to have forfeited as yet,—‘nor do I feel