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

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to grant your visitor the satisfaction he solicits, by permit-
ting me to commence the story." The princess paid no
attention to this, but continued silent. The bird, seeing
how taciturn she had all of a sudden become, and knowing
the cause, continued his supplication, saying, "I beseech
you, oh, goddess! my adored angel, and most kind hostess!
would that it were possible for me to express in adequate
terms my feelings of joy on beholding you! I have seen and
do see daily, during my perambulations, vast numbers of
handsome women, acknowledged beauties, but never have
my eyes beheld such heavenly charms concentrated in one
single individual as I have now the inexpressible joy of
paying homage to; indeed, I am so overcome with feelings
of delight, that I can scarce be said to be in possession of
my senses. Permit me, fair lady, to relate a truly inter-
esting story, abounding in wit and mirth. Cast your eyes
upon me, and allow me to proceed; it will afford much
pleasure to the brahmin beside you, and no less to yourself.
Your impenetrable silence affects me much, good mistress.
I cannot form an idea as to the cause of the melancholy
with which you appear to be overwhelmed, and which seems
to have almost struck you dumb." The princess was seated
in sullen silence, with her eyes fixed, and gazing intently on
vacancy, and would neither bestow a single glance upon the
parrot nor utter a word of encouragement to him. Amongst
the numerous slaves and others surrounding the princess,
was one who observed the efforts of the bird to attract her
attention, and pitied his failure. She ventured to entreat
her mistress that the parrot might be allowed to proceed
with his story, and that she would deign to sanction it, as
there was doubtless much pleasure to be derived from it.
This being a favorite domestic of the princess, she obtained
a hearing, and the princess was prevailed upon, though with
much evident reluctance, to break silence. She ordered
the parrot to proceed with his story.
On receiving the order, the bird seemed transported with
joy, and instantly set about relating his tale.