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

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compared to it. This was the fish which had swallowed the
diamond. Having admired it for some time, he deposited
it, with the others, in two baskets, which he slung across
his shoulder, and in this way he went home. He gave
the finest fish to his wife, to be dressed for his dinner,
asking her to have it ready by the time he returned from
the market. The fisherman's wife, on opening the belly of
the fish, found therein the rich diamond, set in gold. Its
brightness dazzled her eyes, and shone through every crevice
in the humble dwelling. The woman had had some ex-
perience in things of this sort, she therefore wrapped up the
jewel in a piece of cloth the instant she found it, lest some
one should see it and deprive her of the treasure. She was
quite elated with the prize; and, as she hastily set about
preparing her husband's dinner, she felt impatient to impart
the joyful tidings to him. When the fisherman returned
from the market, his wife placed his meal before him, and
being hungry, not having had a good dinner for the previous
four or five days, he fell to heartily. When he had ap-
peased his hunger, his wife told him of the diamond she
had found, and he desired her to produce it. As soon as
he saw it, he was struck with amazement at its brilliancy
and evident value, and could not help giving utterance to
an exclamation of joy at the sight of the unexpected wealth
before him, which would render him rich and independent
for the remainder of his life. He knew pretty well the
value of the diamond, and he cautioned his wife not to tell
any one of their good luck. 'God has so bountifully
provided for us,' said he, 'in consideration, doubtless, of
the continued distresses to which we have been subject.' He
told his wife he would take the diamond to the king of the
city, who, being a worthy and good man, would no doubt
reward him liberally. Accordingly, having clad himself in
mean apparel, he placed the diamond in a common plate,
and took it to the palace, where, on presenting himself, he
was asked by one of the attendants what he wanted. He
said he had brought a certain article for his majesty, and