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

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CHAPTER V.
Vickram reposes in the palace of Princess Pudmavuntty—Veytal
appears, in the form of a parrot, and commences to relate the history
of King Bhudrasain, his son Soorsain, and the princess his wife.
KING VICKRAMADETEA, under the guise of the brahmin,
now reposed within the splendid and sumptuous palace of
the Princess Pudmavuntty. At the same time the spirit of
Veytal transformed himself into a parrot that was represented
in one of the paintings on the wall, and came down and rested
near where Vickramadetea and the princess were reposing.
He began by stroking and flapping his wings in a sly and
knowing manner. The princess, observing this unusual
circumstance and great novelty, was exceedingly amused;
having never before witnessed such a strange faculty in a
bird, she involuntarily commenced laughing. The parrot,
seeing this, redoubled his efforts: drawing a mark in front
of him with his claw, he continued his tricks, and gave
unmistakeable signs of his knowledge of the state of affairs
between her and the man beside her, to whom he pointed
from time to time. The brahmin, observing that the princess
had laughed, thus addressed the parrot:—"Oh, beautiful,
lovely, and knowing bird! may I now solicit of you a parti-
cular favour? I would you could be persuaded to relate to
us one of the many amusing and pleasant stories which are
doubtless stored in your little head, from the recounting of
which the princess may derive both instruction and amuse-
ment, while I shall equally profit by it." The parrot
replied, "I should consider it to be the height of presump-
tion were I to attempt to do so at your desire, and without
the express sanction of my mistress. I must therefore
address myself first to the lady. I pray, madam," said
the parrot, addressing the princess, "that you will be pleased
D