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

156
CHAPTER X.
Continuation of Veytal's tale.
" HURRIDASS, while jogging along, remembered the
admonition of his tutor, and prayed to the Almighty to
guide him safely through his journey, and enable him to
fulfil the command given him. He crossed the desert
without mishap, and was pleased when he beheld the tree
at the junction of the two roads, under which he had sat
with his companion. He rested there awhile, and then again
set out. Having travelled about thirty-two yojuns, he
arrived at a meadow, in the centre of which he perceived a
beautiful lake, and on its bank a small thatched hut. He
went up to it, to ascertain whether any one resided there, and
was agreeably surprised to find a venerable hermit seated
within. Hurridass entered, and, prostrating himself at the
feet of the holy man, received his benediction. The hermit
then enquired whence he had come, and what was his
mission. Hurridass satisfied him on these points, and told
him even of the prince and his habitation.
" The hermit was very learned, and a profound thinker,
—well acquainted with all the arts and sciences; he was
also a mild, temperate, and cheerful companion. He seemed
exceedingly pleased with the concluding portion of Hurri-
dass' narrative, and greatly commended him for having
never once lost sight of his tutor's injunction. 'Hurridass,'
said the hermit, 'there are but few who will willingly
undergo such toils and inconveniences for the sake of
obeying their tutors: he who does so, not only pleases the
instructor, but the Almighty also.' After this, the hermit
said he might remain with him as long as he pleased or
wished, assuring him that he would make him as comfort-
able as possible, and teach him some curious and sacred