The story extends backward to the legend or history of Sargon I, of Akkad (about 2,650 B.C. according to the revised chronology), who stated in an inscription that his mother, a Princess, launched him on the Euphrates in a basket of rushes made water-tight with bitumen. He was rescued and reared by a cultivator, who placed him in charge of his garden. Through the affection of the Goddess Istar he acquired the sovereignty.
[2] Prognostics depending on the position of the planets at the time when she reached marriageable age. These are ascertained in the case of all girls. [↑]
[5] Buddhist sacred writings. To say Baṇa, is to recite or chant portions of these works. [↑]
[6] This form of the story is found also in Cinq Cents Contes et Apologues, vol. iii, p. 215. [↑]