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

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arts, as well as some rare and wonderful charms, such as
were known but to few human beings. Hurridass prostrated
himself a second time, and renewed his thanks; he then
decided on taking up his residence for a time with the
hermit.
"Let us now see how Prince Sewdass fared with his
beloved Moheeny. He was in the enjoyment of ease and
happiness, there being nothing wanting to render a reason-
able mind contented and peaceful. The giant had hoarded
up plenty of provisions and other needful articles, for the
use of Moheeny, before he brought her to the cavern; and
there was a deep river, full of fish, on the side of the moun-
tain, close to the cavern. One day the prince and Moheeny
took a walk together towards this river, and they sat down
on its bank to watch the various fishes sporting before them.
It was indeed a quiet and delicious retreat. As they sat
thus, a sudden movement, as of contention, was observable
among the fish. The prince had, in an affectionate manner,
wound his arm round the princess' neck, which caused the
centre diamond of her necklace, which was of extraordinary
size and brilliancy, to drop into the river, and it was
immediately swallowed by one of the fish. The prince
grieved at the loss of the diamond, and for a time sat
without uttering a word. So sat the princess also,—not in
anger, but in grief. They retired to their dwelling with
heavy hearts, and Sewdass, observing that the princess
appeared unusually out of sorts, which he attributed to the
irritation she felt at her loss, said to her, 'I pray you, let
me know the value of the diamond, and I will endeavour to
replace it.' Moheeny hung down her head, but did not
speak a word in reply, so deeply absorbed was her mind.
The prince continued,—'If a man be once dead, he will
never again return to life: his wife and children may
lament him as much as they please, and even sacrifice their
own lives, in vain. Should an article of small size be
dropped into the ocean, it would be useless seeking for it
there. The pleasure we derive from any one source has its