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

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enough the object of their vulgar admiration was deserving
of any amount of praise. On hearing the tale, the actress
immediately repaired to the well, and there found the
princess seated in the same place, beautiful as Hebe, and as
humble in her demeanour as a slave. The actress inquired
into the condition of the wandering princess, and as to how
she intended disposing of herself. Finding that she had
no visible means of support, nor a home to receive her, the
wily actress offered to admit her into her house, where she
would, she said, find every necessary comfort. The unfor-
tunate princess wished to know, before she proceeded with
the actress, what services would be required of her in return
for the asylum offered. 'Dancing, singing, and the enjoy-
ment which wealth and charms will most assuredly secure
for you,' said the actress. The princess felt hurt at this
giddy and unfeeling talk, and replied that she could not
think of accepting the proffered kindness on the terms
proposed; 'but,' said she, 'I will be content to serve you
if you will give me for my trouble a quantity of undressed
corn sufficient to live upon. I must stipulate, however,
that the services I render to you shall be other than those
you propose. You must teach me to grind and pound
corn, and the other domestic arts involved in housekeeping.
If you promise me this I will follow you.' The actress, not
wishing to enter into an argument there, as both the time
and place were unsuited to the purpose, agreed to the
conditions of the handsome traveller, thinking she would
easily bring her round to her own purposes after she had
tasted the comforts of her home, and otherwise experienced
her bounty and kindness. The princess accordingly accepted
the offer, especially as her condition rendered it imperative
that she should remain in some asylum, at least until
after her confinement, after which she purposed devising
some plan for her future guidance. They accordingly
proceeded together to the residence of the actress. The
princess, however, notwithstanding the importunities of the
actress, could not be persuaded to enter into any of the