DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.22902#0014
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man entered the room. He was of a swarthy complexion,
with a pair of mustachios twirled up nearly to his temples ;
his manly form was enveloped in a peculiar flowing white
dress, while on his head was placed a high loose-folded turban
dashingly inclined on one side, and from it was negligently
suspended a garland of Chamelee and Champa ; he wore a
necklace of massive gold, from which depended an image of the
Pritriswur (manes), which at once showed the rank and
professsion of the chief bard, Bheemsen Bardai.
The Prince, who was reclining on a rich velvet cushion,
turned himself towards the Bhat, and graciously bade him
sit on the carpet that was spread beside him : the bard, hav-
ing made a deep obeisance, did as he was directed.
" Bheemsen Bardai," said the Prince, " let me ask you a
question. Can a Bhat keep a secret ?" The bard bent his
brow as if he felt dishonored by the Prince's doubt, and
assuming an air of dignity, replied, " And may I ask if your
Highness knows of any instance in which a Bhat has not
kept a secret V
" No ; I did not intend to give you any offence, but
asked you the question merely for a satisfaction of my
mind, and to make myself doubly sure on a point of great
importance."
" I pledge myself, then, that anything that your Highness
may condescend to entrust to my ears shall never come to
my lips."
" Well, then, to be plain with you, I have made up my
mind to marry-"
" Marry !—and whom, may I ask, doth your Highness
intend to marry 1"
" The daughter of Lallajee of Bumaoda—the renowned
Rutnavali."
" Did your Highness mention the name of Lallajee ?"
" Aye; but what of that ? You seem to be struck with
almost every word that I utter—what is the reason V
man entered the room. He was of a swarthy complexion,
with a pair of mustachios twirled up nearly to his temples ;
his manly form was enveloped in a peculiar flowing white
dress, while on his head was placed a high loose-folded turban
dashingly inclined on one side, and from it was negligently
suspended a garland of Chamelee and Champa ; he wore a
necklace of massive gold, from which depended an image of the
Pritriswur (manes), which at once showed the rank and
professsion of the chief bard, Bheemsen Bardai.
The Prince, who was reclining on a rich velvet cushion,
turned himself towards the Bhat, and graciously bade him
sit on the carpet that was spread beside him : the bard, hav-
ing made a deep obeisance, did as he was directed.
" Bheemsen Bardai," said the Prince, " let me ask you a
question. Can a Bhat keep a secret ?" The bard bent his
brow as if he felt dishonored by the Prince's doubt, and
assuming an air of dignity, replied, " And may I ask if your
Highness knows of any instance in which a Bhat has not
kept a secret V
" No ; I did not intend to give you any offence, but
asked you the question merely for a satisfaction of my
mind, and to make myself doubly sure on a point of great
importance."
" I pledge myself, then, that anything that your Highness
may condescend to entrust to my ears shall never come to
my lips."
" Well, then, to be plain with you, I have made up my
mind to marry-"
" Marry !—and whom, may I ask, doth your Highness
intend to marry 1"
" The daughter of Lallajee of Bumaoda—the renowned
Rutnavali."
" Did your Highness mention the name of Lallajee ?"
" Aye; but what of that ? You seem to be struck with
almost every word that I utter—what is the reason V