In a former time, in a certain country there was a certain Hetti family
possessing a great quantity of goods, it is said. There were seven sons
of the Hettiya. For the purpose of learning he sent the seven sons to
school. Out of the Hetti children who go to school, as the youngest
son was a mischievous rough fellow, having set out from the house in
order to go to school, while on the road he got hid, not going to the
school. At the time when, the school having been dismissed, the other
children are coming back, this child also, like a person who went to
school, comes to the house with his brothers, and dwells [there].
That this one did not go (nongiya) to school no one tells either the
father or mother. Because of what thing? Because of the harshness that
there is of his, should they give information to his parents that he
did not go to school they are afraid he will cause great annoyance
to the people who give the information.
In that manner going to the school and coming according to his will,
and making disturbance with the other children (lamo), and walking
to several places at the time when he is dwelling [there], he one
day in the eventide having descended to the city street goes to walk.
While going, a certain horse-keeper taking a horse brought it for
sale. He having stopped the horse-keeper, asks, "To which district
are you taking this horse?"
To that the horse-keeper gives answer, "I am taking this horse
for sale."
Thereupon he said, "It is good. For how much money will you give
this horse?"
Then the horse-keeper says, "You a man who takes horses, indeed! There
is not any profit in telling you the amount. The value of this horse
is much," he said.
Thereupon, having much scolded the horse-keeper, and having arrived
at his house calling [the man to bring] the horse, he speaks to his
father and says, "Take and give me this horse."
At that time his father the Hettiya having rebuked him, drove him
away. As this one was a vile rough fellow, taking the saying heavily,
he began to make disturbance with his father. Thereupon anger having
gone to the father, seizing him and having beaten him, he drove
him away.
Having done thus, this one came into the house, and taking a gun speaks
to his father and says, "Should you not take and give me this horse,
shooting myself I will die." Thereupon his father having become afraid,
took the horse and gave [him it].
From the day when he took and gave the horse, he did not even go to
the school. Having gone away according to his own notion, he joined
the war army of that country. During the time when he was thus, also,
he began to work there, so as to be a great dexterous person. The
Chief of the war army there showed him much favour.
When a little time had gone thus, having been ordered to a war they
came [for it]. Thereupon this one also having gone with the war
force, and having been halted on the battle-ground, during the time
while they are [there] the Chief of the Army spoke to this force
(pirisa). When he said that in order to fight, a person who is able
is to go to the enemy-King, and give the leaf missive (pattraya) which
the Counsellor had prepared for the purpose, having seen that everyone
remained without speaking, this one came forward, and having said,
"I am able to go and give it," asked for the letter.
When he thus asked, the Commander of the Army, having arrived at great
sorrow, says, "By this fight to whom will occur victory, defeat,
or any other thing I am unable to say. But should you stay on the
battle-ground, harm not befalling you at any time, you may escape. The
messenger who goes in order to give notice to this enemy-King does not
escape at any time. When, having said the message, he is dismissed,
the guards strike him down. I know that you are a person of a great
wealthy family. I know that the advantage that is obtained from another
twelve soldiers I am receiving from you. [But] because at the time
when I spoke to any person who was willing to despatch and make known
this message, you came forward, it is not justice to cause another
person to go." Having said [this], the General arrived at great sorrow.
Thereupon this one says, "Don't be afraid. Having gone and given
the letter I shall come back. But I cannot go thus; I don't want
these clothes. Please make afresh and give me clothes in the manner
I say." When he said [this], the General, in the manner he said,
made and gave him the clothes.
Thereupon, putting on the clothes and having mounted on the back of
the horse which his father took and gave him, taking the leaf that
was written for the purpose of giving the notice to the enemy-King,
he went off.
At the time when he was going there, the guards of the King's house
thought that a trader gentleman was coming in order to give assistance
connected with the war. Without any fear whatever he went on horse-back
to the royal palace; and having given the leaf and turned back,
driving the horse a little slowly to the place where the guards are,
and, having come there, driving the horse with the speed possible,
he arrived at the place where his force is.
When he arrived thus, the General, having become much attached to
him, established this one as the third person for that force. After
that, having fought he obtained victory in the fight also. After he
obtained victory in the fight, he appointed him to the chiefship of
the army. During the time while he was dwelling thus, he went and in
still many battles he obtained victory.
After that, having appointed him to the kingship, [208] he sent
him to improve the out-districts. Having dwelt in that manner for
much time, and having reached old age, he performed the act of death
(kalakkiriya).
Western Province.