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

mind she addressed her companion in the Sanscrit, the
language usually employed by princes and nobles in those
days, but the thief, not being familiar with it, could not
respond to the sentiments she expressed, many of which
called for reply. She, as may naturally be concluded, was
surprised at this unusual silence on the part of the prince,
who formerly had barely allowed a word to escape her
without participating fully in her feelings and responding
to them, or, if wrong, gently correcting them. At this
time, too, there was sufficient light for distinguishing each
other, and, oh!—with what horror and dismay did she not
behold, as she turned an inquiring glance on the man
beside her, the countenance which was presented to her
wondering eyes! He had neither nose nor ears,—his right
hand had been cut off at the wrist,—he was black and
dirty, coarsely clad, and presented altogether a most
unseemly and revolting appearance! She screamed at the
sight of this wretched and frightful-looking being, and soon
lost all her presence of mind. He tried to soothe her, and
the princess, becoming gradually aware of the position she
was in, and suspecting into what hands she had fallen, was
wise and considerate enough not to carry her antipathy too
far, lest he should be provoked to ill-treat her. She became
at last calm; her sorrow, however, weighed heavily upon
her, and she was in all respects an object of pity; yet she
very prudently refrained from audibly expressing the agony
of her feelings.
“ It was now broad day, the sun began to shed forth his
lustre from the heavens, and they were approaching a city
which stood before them. The thief, addressing Malattee,
said, ‘ Fair princess, I wish you to understand that I am a
resident in yonder city. I am about to convey you to my
house, and it is my earnest request that you will for the
future consider yourself mistress of all I possess. By
attending to my concerns and presiding over my domestic
affairs, you will secure for yourself a happy retreat, and
also enjoy every sort of pleasure.’ Malattee disguised her
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