aol Мамед

XX.

THE BRAHMAN PRIEST WHO BECAME

AN AMILDAR.*

In the Karnâta dêśa there reigned a famous kingnamed Chamunda, who was served by an householdpriest, named Gundappa, well versed in all therituals at which he officiated.

Châmunda, one day, while chewing betel- leaves,thus addressed Gundappa, who was sitting oppositehim:-

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' My most holy priest, I am greatly pleased atyour faithfulness in the discharge of your sacredduties; and you may ask of me now what youwish and I shall grant your request."

The priest elated replied:" I have always had adesire to become the Amildárt of a district and toexercise power over a number of people; and if yourMajesty should grant me this I shall have attainedmy ambition."

*

A Kanarese tale related by a risâldâr.

+ Headman of the village.