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

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If he tells you that he loves you with all his soul, you may
be assured he is not to be believed ; the true sign of affec-
tion is when the wife can without hesitation say whether or
not her husband's love is exclusively hers. I hope you wilt
obtain an answer on this subject from the prince, and that
it may not be accompanied by some unfeeling threat.'
Moheeny asked Shambae how she could propose that such
a ridiculous and unfeeling question should be put to the
prince. 'I know,' continued she, 'that my husband will
not refuse to reveal any secret to me, if I request him to
do so. No ; I am sure he will tell me without a moment's
hesitation.' Shambae, after this conversation, busied
herself with her usual occupation, and set about preparing
the evening meal. When it was ready, Moheeny and the
prince partook of it, after which they retired for the night.
"Shortly after their retirement, Moheeny, addressing
the prince, said, 'Dear Sewdass, I have a request to make
of you, and I conjure you to answer me. If you have the
same love for me as I have for you, you will not hesitate to
comply with my desire. You are a prince by birth, and I
have been an eye-witness to your valour and bravery,
which——' Here the prince interrupted her before she
had time to finish the sentence, and said, 'Do not lengthen
your discourse, my love, but tell me at once what it is you
desire.' Moheeny eagerly said, 'I wish to be informed
what death you will die, and what circumstances will attend
your dissolution.' The prince heard her with feelings of
horror and disgust, and was enraged to such a degree that,
falling back in his bed against a cushion which supported
him, he addressed Moheeny in an indignant and scornful
tone. 'I all along thought,' said he, 'that you were a
woman of sense and discretion, but what you have now pre-
sumed to ask convinces me that I have been wrong in my
calculation of your worth and merit. Tell me, I beseech
you, what could have induced you to put such a question to
me ? You must be aware that such a proceeding on your
part can only tend to lessen my esteem for you. I advise