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

185
CHAPTER XII.
Veytal re-appears, in the form of a peculiar description of swan, and
commences to relate the history of the Princess Chitrangee and
Charoo, the merchant's son.
WHEN the peacock made his exit, as related at the
conclusion of the last chapter, there remained only a prahur*
to sun-rise. The Princess Pudmavutty and the disguised
brahmin were much delighted with the narration of the
peacock, and wished that some other bird would make its
appearance and amuse them in a like manner, which would
enable them to sit out the remainder of the night in the
enjoyment of similar pleasure. They had barely time to
give expression to their thoughts, when the Veytal
again appeared, for the fourth time, in the shape of a
Rajhouse,† and took up his seat upon the chowrung, as the
three other birds had done. It must be recollected that the
brahmin was the only person present who knew it to be
the Veytal. The fine shape and beautiful feathers of the
Rajhouse contrasted so strongly with his odd tricks and
apparently funny disposition, that the princess fell into an
immoderate fit of laughter, but she did not tell it to
commence its tale, which as usual fell to the brahmin, who
addressed the Rajhouse in the following words:—"Oh most
excellent bird!—I pray you do us the favour of diverting
us with a tale until the dawn, which will not be long in
coming. We have spent the greater portion of the night
in listening to the interesting tales of three different birds,
and I sincerely hope you will contribute to our amusement
from the store of knowledge you doubtlessly possess." The
* A period of three hours.
† A peculiar description of swan.
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