[1] The account of the girl who was set afloat by the advice of an astrologer who wanted to marry her is also found in No. 139, where other references are appended. [↑]
[2] Mukkāḍuwa. I have not seen this yashmak or veil worn in Ceylon; it is the top and back of the head which are covered in public by a cloth, which reaches to the waist or lower. The edge of this is sometimes drawn and held across the lower part of the face when strangers are passing. [↑]
[3] Pissi gātēṭa, probably intended for pissi gahaṭaṭa, owing to [his] insane affliction. Holman Pissā means “the madman of uncanny noises.” [↑]
No. 109
Concerning a Vaeddā and a Bride
In the midst of a forest a Vaeddā stayed. When the Vaeddā’s wife went to bring water, taking the large water-pot, the Vaeddā, taking his bow and having gone in front of the woman, as she is coming shoots [his arrows] to go by the woman’s ear. Every day he shoots in that manner.
One day when the woman went to bring water she met with the woman’s elder brother; he asked, “What is it, younger sister, that you are so thin for?”
Then the woman said, “Anē, elder brother, when I have taken water and am going home, the Vaeddā shoots [his arrows] to go by my ear. Through that trouble I am becoming thin.”
After that, the Vaeddā [her brother] says, “Younger sister, for that I will tell you a clever trick. To-day also when he has shot as you are going, say, ‘There will be better shooters than that.’ ”