[2] In Sinhalese this expression includes the toe-nails, the toes being termed “fingers of the foot.” [↑]
[3] This query is addressed to the King himself, it being more respectful to use the third person than the second. In the story numbered 106 a Princess addresses a Prince in the third person, and there are several other examples. Compare the first couplet of the conversation of the King and goose in the Jātaka story No. 502 (vol. iv, p. 266). In the Arabian Nights (Lady Burton’s ed., vol. iv, p. 121) a Wazīr employs the third person while speaking to his sovereign. [↑]
No. 78
The Gamarāla’s Girl
In a certain city there was a King, it is said. The King sends letters into various countries to be explained. When they were sent, no one could explain the things that were in the letters. When he sent the letters, on the following day [the recipients] must come near the King. When they come the King asks the meaning in the letter; no one can tell it. Well then, he beheads the man.
Thus, in that manner he sent letters to seven cities. From the seven cities seven men came to hand over the letters. He beheaded the seven persons.
On the eighth day a letter came to the Gamarāla. There is a girl of the Gamarāla’s. When they brought the letter the girl was not at home; she went to the village to pound paddy. Pounding the paddy and taking the rice, when the girl is coming home the Gamarāla is weeping and weeping.
So the girl asked, “What is it, father, you are crying for?”
Then the Gamarāla says, “Daughter, why shouldn’t I cry? The King who beheaded seven men of seven cities has to-day sent a letter to me also. Now then, the letter which the people of seven cities were unable to explain, how can I explain? Well then, mustn’t I take the letter to-morrow? It is I who must take the letter. When I have gone he will behead me. Well then, owing to your being [left] without anyone, indeed, I am weeping.”