Thereupon Sokka says, "Ade! What art thou saying? I being a person
who has now killed ten or fifteen, thou art not enough even to put
on my bathing-cloth for me." [301]
This foolish man having become frightened by the very extent [of the
deaths] that he heard of in this word of Sokka's, began to run off. As
he was running he met with yet a man who is going on the road; he asks
at the hand of this foolish man, "What, friend, are you running for?"
Then this fool says, "Friend, a man who killed ten or fifteen men tried
to kill me. Because of it I am running through fear," he said. At that
time that man also, through the extent [of the deaths] that he heard
of in that speech having become afraid, began to run off. As these
two persons were running they said thus to the men going on the road,
that is, "On the road there is a great murderer. Don't any one go."
After that, having [thus] made Sokka a great furious one, it became
public. The King of the city also got to know of it. Well then,
the King having caused this Sokka to be brought, [said], "You are a
dexterous swordsman and a dexterous fighter, they say. Is it true?"
Then Sokka says, "O King, Your Majesty, when I have struck with one
hand of mine, should there be ten or fifteen staying on that side
the men fall dead."
Thereupon the King asks Sokka, "If you are a dexterous man to that
degree, will you come to fight with the first dexterous fighter of
my war army?"
Sokka says, "When ten or fifteen are dying by one hand of mine,
what occupation is there [for me] with one! I am now ready for it."
The King says, "When for three days time is going by, on the third
day you having fought in the midst of a great assembly, the person
out of the two who conquers I will establish in the post of Chief of
the Army (Sena-Nayaka)." Sokka was pleased at it.
The King having put these two persons into two rooms, placed
guards. While they were thus, Sokka having spoken to the dexterous
fighter, says, "You having come for the fight with me will not
escape. To this and this degree I am a dexterous one at fighting. Fight
in the midst of the assembly, and don't be shy."
The dexterous fighter having become frightened at Sokka's word,
got out of the chamber by some means or other, and not staying in
the city, bounded off and went away. [302]
When the third day arrived, the whole of the forces dwelling
in the city assembled together to look at the fight of these two
persons. Thereupon, only Sokka arrived there. Then when Sokka became
more and more famous the King was favouring him.
During the time while he is thus, a war arrived for the King. The
King says to Sokka, "We must do battle with a war army of this
extent. Because of it, having gone together with my war army can you
defeat the enemies?" [303]
Sokka says, "I don't want Your Honour's army. Having gone quite alone
I can defeat them."