Alas! the savages upon my Lan̥kā bound!”[3]
When, in singing it, she had made it about Lan̥kāwa (Ceylon), when she [thought she] had made no opportunity (iḍak) for any other dancing person who might be present [to surpass her], having sung the poetical song she danced.
At that time Bahu-Bhūtayā, after having decorated himself with [dancer’s] dress, taking the uḍakkiya (the small hand tom-tom), and asking permission from all (according to the usual custom), sang a song (a parody of the other). The very song indeed [was]:—
“Alas! Alas! Daub oil my head around;
Or, if you won’t,
Athwart my chest observe how hairs abound.”[5]
(Anē! Anē! Mage isa waṭa tel gāpan̥
Baeri nan̥ bada[6] waṭa kehuru balan̥.)
Having sung the song, Bahu-Bhūtayā descended to dance.
Because the Danḍapola Kōrāla previously taught Bahu-Bhūtayā that same song, and because the same teacher had given his sworn word [not to teach it to another person], the woman was unable to dance the same song. After having made obeisance to Bahu-Bhūtayā, she says, “You, Sir, must give me teaching,” the woman said to Bahu-Bhūtayā.