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

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whence came you ? I never before felt for the handsomest
among women what I now feel for you ! From the day on
which I became possessed of the rich diamond, I have been
like one in a trance, and your lovely presence restores me
to life, love, and happiness !' Then, turning to Shambae,
who stood by, he said, ' My good woman, you have placed
me under a deep debt of gratitude : but for you I should
ere this have been numbered with the dead. I give you
credit for the greatest tact and ability, and you shall hence-
forth have charge of all my queens. I thank you sincerely
for all you have done : you have acted the part of a
great and skilful physician, and have cured me of my
malady. You may rest assured you shall not go unre-
warded.' The king continued praising this woman exces-
sively, adding at last that she even surpassed his minister
in capacity and judgment ; and she was immediately made
matron and keeper of his queens' apartments.
“ At night, after supper, the king sent for Shambae, and
desired her to ask Moheeny whether she would allow him to
pass the night with her. The widow accordingly repaired
to Moheeny's room,.and begged her to grant his majesty's
request. Moheeny smiled, and said, ' I should have had
much pleasure in acknowledging my gratitude and esteem
for the king by obeying him at once, but that I have made
a vow to a certain deity, which precludes the possibility—
for the present, at least—of compliance. I have been very
fortunate in falling into such good hands. My vow was made
for the purpose of securing a good and happy position, when
the death of my husband left me without a friend or
protector. This I have now obtained, but I cannot on any
account agree to the king's proposal until after I shall have
fulfilled the vrut.* Only then can I venture to take part
in anything worldly. Permit me also,' continued Moheeny,
' to thank you for your share in what has resulted in
securing me so happy a condition. Your kindness I shall

• Consecration by vow.