And set with pearls.
In the Rajah’s garden
She stood, and was covered with a shawl.
The Sowar said to the Farmer, “I overheard what you were repeating, but what can possibly be the meaning of it, for it is a riddle surely, so please enlighten me.”
The Farmer replied, “I gave you one piece of knowledge, and you became angry and violent; however, I will return you no ill-will, so here is the answer to take away with you.
“Don’t you see that it refers to the ‘Bhūtta’ or ear of the ‘Indian corn’? Its stem is green, its grain like pearls, and its covering sheath like a beautiful shawl.”
Farmers, you see, have their bits of wit; and then he added to the Sowar:
“Sow gullân thay hait hullânh.”
“I may tell you one hundred tales, but all are inferior to the ‘plough,’ for by it the State gets its revenue, and the people are supplied with food.”
The Sowar left him, and went away impressed with his quickness and mother-wit.