190

The Book of Noodles.

my caste, but for the high consideration inwhich the memory of my late father is stillheld, he having lived respected by all theworld.

Now that you have heard one specimen ofthe many follies of my life, I hope you will notconsider me as beneath those who havespoken before me, nor my pretensions alto-gether undeserving of the salutation of thesoldier.

Conclusion.

The heads of the assembly, several ofwhom were convulsed with laughter whilethe Bráhmans were telling their stories,decided, after hearing them all, that each hadgiven such absolute proofs of folly as to beentitled, in justice, to a superiority in his ownway: that each of them, therefore, should beat liberty to call himself the greatest fool ofall, and to attribute to himself the salutationof the soldier. Each of them having thusgained his suit, it was recommended to themall to continue their journey, if it were possible,in amity. The delighted Bráhmans thenrushed out of court, each exclaiming that hehad gained his cause.