[10] According to the text, nawalā, bathed, probably intended for namalā. [↑]
No. 81
Concerning a Royal Prince and a Princess[1]
In a certain city there were a King, a Carpenter, and a Washerman. There were three male children of these three persons. They sent these three children to learn letters near a teacher a yōjana distant, or four gawuwas[2] distant. These three having at one time set off from the city when they went for [learning] letters, both that royal Prince and the Washer lad went and said the letters; when they are coming back the Carpenter’s son is even yet going on the road. Those two go with much quickness. Because of it, the Carpenter’s son said at his father’s hand, “We three having set off at one time from the city, when we have gone, those two having got in front and gone, and said their letters, come back. Having gone (started) at one time, on even a single day having said my letters I was unable to come [with them].”
Thereafter, he made for the Carpenter’s son a [flying] Wooden Peacock machine, and gave him it. He having gone rowing it [through the air], and said his letters, when he is coming back those two are still going [on the road], for [their] letters.
One day the royal Prince said to the Carpenter’s son, “Anē! Friend, will you let me row and look at the Wooden Peacock machine?” he asked.
Thereupon the Carpenter’s son, having said, “It is good,” and having told him the manner of treading on the chain, gave him it. Just as the Prince was taking hold of the chain, he went [up] in the Wooden Peacock machine, and was fixed among the clouds in the sky. At that time the King of the city and the multitude were frightened.