It was green and full
And set with pearls.
In the Rajah’s garden
She stood, and was covered with a shawl.
The Sowar said to the Farmer, “I overheard what you were repeating, but
what can possibly be the meaning of it, for it is a riddle surely, so
please enlighten me.”
The Farmer replied, “I gave you one piece of knowledge, and you became
angry and violent; however, I will return you no ill-will, so here is
the answer to take away with you.
“Don’t you see that it refers to the ‘Bhūtta’ or ear of the ‘Indian
corn’? Its stem is green, its grain like pearls, and its covering sheath
like a beautiful shawl.”
Farmers, you see, have their bits of wit; and then he added to the
Sowar:
“Sow gullân thay hait hullânh.”
“I may tell you one hundred tales, but all are inferior to the ‘plough,’
for by it the State gets its revenue, and the people are supplied with
food.”
The Sowar left him, and went away impressed with his quickness and
mother-wit.
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