ashes having collected a load took, and that (distant) sore-eyed
aròng le-lo. Labàngso aròng arlèng
(people's) village went to. That village (of) men,
abàng-phu-ta amèk-keso-abàng àngse. Ànke phelo a-bahar-pèn
each one of them, sore-eyed folk were only. So ashes (of) a load-with
jàngreso latum nàng-thèksi nàng-arju-lo-- "Nàng kopi
the orphan they having seen, called out to him-- "Thou what for
kevàng ladak?" Jàngreso thàk-dèt-- "Ai nàngtum aròng
comest thou hither?" The orphan answered-- "Oh! your village
mèk-keso a-vur do-tàng-pu arju-lòngsi ne
sore eyes disease has finished getting, thus having got to hear, I
mèk-keso a-bàp nàng-kejòr." Ànsi latum pulo--
(for) sore-eyed people medicine here am selling." Then they said--
"Ai! tàngte me-òng-chòt-lo, po-arnàm-po!" pusi
"Oh! then (that) is very good indeed, my good sir!" so saying
ròng-isi asàngho dohòn chi-rung-si dohòn-bahar-isi
the whole village inhabitants money having collected, of money load one
jàngreso nàng-pilo. Ànsi jàngreso pulo: "Labàngso a-bàp
to the orphan there-gave. Then the orphan said: "That medicine
nònke chi-hi-ri-tha: mo ne tovar
immediately do not apply (rub) to yourselves: afterwards I the road
ebèng lelo-te, 'chi-hi-nòn' pu ne nàng-pupo,
a piece have gone when, 'apply (rub) it' saying I will tell you,
àn-le chi-hi-nòn." Ànsi dohòn-bahar-isi phelo a-nàm
then (and not before) apply it." Then money-load-one ashes (of) price
jàngreso lòng-si, hèm chevoilo. Ànke la tovar me
the orphan having got, home to his returned. When he road a little
nàng-le-lo, mèk-a-vur-kelòng-atum jàngreso-aphàn
had gone eye disease who had got people The orphan-to
'chi-hi-nòn-tu-ma?' pu hàng-lo. Jàngreso nàng-thàk-dèt
"shall we apply it now?" saying called out. The orphan answered
"tha"; tebòk-hèt tik-ke "tha" pu-bòm-si la
"wait"; near so long as, "wait" saying having continued, he
ha heloving le-lo; ànke "nàng-pho-dun-un-e-lo" pu
to a distance arrived; and "here reach to me they cannot" saying
matha-lo, "bàp chi-hi-nòn" pu jàngreso
he thought, "the medicine rub in now" saying, the orphan
nàng-hàng-lo. Ànsi mèk-keso-atum
there called out. Then eyes the sufferers from pain
jàngreso-kevàn-aphelo a-mèk che-hi-lo. La bàp
orphan-brought-ashes on their eyes rubbed. That medicine
kachi-hi-pèn-apara, amèk ki-kru puke matha-thèk-the
applying from at once their eyes smarted so much, it cannot be imagined
jadi thèk-the: amèk keso tàn-muchòt che-plàng-lo. Ànsi latum
(doublet): their eyes sore more much became. Then they
chipulo: "Mai! àn-le alàng e-ke-chobei tekàng: la
said to one another: "Oh! so much he us having cheated has left: he
vàng-thu-lo-te, a-ri kòk-dòng-ra chòk-nàng." Jàngreso-ke hem
comes-again-if, his hands tying fast let us beat him." The orphan home
che-le-si apei-aphàn "ne-òng-atum ahotòn èn-dàm-le-tha" pu
having come his mother-to "my uncles' basket take-go-again," saying
toi-le-lo. Ànsi hèm-epi a-ikmar-atum a-hèm hotòn
he sent again. Then the widow her brothers' house basket
hàng-dàm-le-lo. Ànsi hotòn nàng-lo-si latum kòrte-bàng-theròk
to ask-went again. Then the basket having sent they brothers six said
chi-pu-le-lo-- "Da, akibi, làng-dun-le-tha;
again among themselves-- "Go, youngest, watch again;
hotòn pi-tòng kànghoi-i-ji-ne?" Ànsi
(with) the basket what in the world is he going to do?" Then
akibi-abàng nàng-làng-dun-tòn-le-lo. Jàngreso dohòn
the youngest went there to watch secretly again. The orphan the money
ketèng nàng-thèk-dun-le-lo. Ànke nàng-kelàng-dun-tòn abàng hèm
measuring there he saw again. Then there watching-secretly person home
che-voi-si à-ikmar che-thàn-dàm-le-lo-- "E-osa
returning his brothers (to) explained, related, again-- "Our nephew
chu-aphàn-te nòn dohòn kevàn òng-muchòt le-lo." Ànke latum
than last time now money bringing much more has arrived." Then they
kòrte-bàng-theròk jàngreso-alòng dàm-si arju-dàm-lo--"Konàt
the six brothers the orphan-near going asked--"Where
adohòn-si nàngli lòng-dam-o-lo?" Ànsi jàngreso
(all) this money you have got so much more?" Then the orphan
nàng-thàk-dun-lo-- "Nàngli-tum-me-ne kekei-pidut a-hem a-phelo
there answered them-- "(By) you fire my applied having house, its ashes
a-nàm. Neli phelo kejòr-dàm-alòng 'kedòr-de' pu
price (it is). I ashes selling-place (in) 'it is not enough' saying
hàng-jo: 'àn-pin vàn-thu-tha' pusi pu. Ne-li hèm-ke
they cried: 'just so much bring again' saying they said. My house
bihèk-si, a-phelo òng-e-dèt; nàngli-tum ahèm-ke
being small, its ashes not much were; Your houses,
the-dung-para, lale me kei-ra a-phelo jòr-dàm-te,
since they are large, therefore fire applying the ashes go selling-if,
dohòn-le nàngli-tum ko-ànsi kevàn-ji? Kevàn-si nàngli-tum
wealth ye how much would bring? To bring it you
un-e." Ànsi a-òngmar kòrte-bàng-theròk
would be unable." Then his uncles the six brethren
chi-pulo: "Tàngte itum-ta e-hèm me
said among themselves: "Then to our also houses fire
chekei-dàm-po-nàng." Ànke hèm me chekei-dàm-si,
having applied let us go." Then houses fire their having-set-to,
hèm a-phelo hum-si kòrte abàng-phu-ta
house-ashes having gathered, the brothers each individually
bahar-un-tik bahar-un-tik pòn-lo. Ànsi jàngreso
as much as he could carry took. Then the orphan
thàn-dun-le-lo: "Ha mèk-keso-aròng-le pòn-nòn;
explained to them again: "To that eye-sore-village up to take, carry;
ha ròng-a-kung le-lo-te, 'Phelo èn-ji-ma?'
that distant village near when you arrive, 'Ashes will you take?'
pura-punòn." Ànsi latum kòrte-bàng-theròk dàmlo. Hà mèk-keso-atum
saying say." So they brothers six went. That sore eyed people's
aròng pàng-le-lo, ànsi arju-lo--"Phelo èn-ji-ma?" Ànsi
village near arrived, and asked--"Ashes will you take?" Then
mèk-keso-àtum "Vàn-tha" pu nàng-hàng-lo; ànsi latum
the people with sore eyes "Bring it here" saying called out; then they
dàm-si ròng le-lo; kele-pèn ari
going the village arrived; immediately they arrived their hands
kòk-krei-inghoi-si, la alàng-tum-kepòn-aphelo-pèn
tying each, all, having done, those by-them-brought ashes-with
amèk hi-si jasemèt chòklo; ànke
their eyes having rubbed severely they beat them; then
chòk-thèng-dèt, latum kòrte-bàng-theròk hèm
having been beaten and pummeled, those brothers six home
nàng-chevoilo. Ànke tovar nàng-chèngvai-thu-le-lo-- "Mai!
returned. Then (on) the road they consulted together again-- "Oh!
àn-le alàng e-kechobei-ra e-rèng e-kapeso,
so much he us-having-cheated our skins he has caused to smart,
aphu-thàk-ta e-hèm i-rit
over and above that our houses our fields
e-pa-che-kei-koi; nònke kele-pèn
us he has caused to set fire to and burn up; now immediately we arrive
ingchin-aru bèng-ra làng
iron-of a cage (in) having firmly secured (him) water (into)
jòk-thòt-lo-nang." Ànke kele-pèn jàngreso nèp-chèk
let us throw him." So at once on arriving the orphan seizing
ingchin-aru-pèn bèng-chèk inghoi-lo, ànsi habit làng-bi
of iron-a cage-in firmly secure they did, and in the jungle a pool
akethe-pi a-kung bi-dàm-kòk-lo.
very great (deep) on the bank putting down they placed.
"Mo-le làng nim-po-nàng; nònke kàt-athai
"After a little while water (in) let us drown him; now run away-power
ave-lo; apòtke àn che-cho-dàm-si-nàng" pusi,
he has not; therefore rice our-eat-go-let-us" saying,
àn che-cho-dàm-lo. Ànke a-òngmar àn
rice-their they went to eat. Then his uncles their rice
checho-dàm-aphi, konane recho-asopo òk nàng-kehung
had gone to eat after, some one or other King's son deer there-hunting
vàng-lo, ànsi jàngreso a-dung nàng-le-si, jàngreso-aphàn
came, and the orphan near having arrived, the orphan (accus.)
arju-lo "Kopi apòtsi ingchin-aru-arlo
asked "What on account of iron-cage-inside
nàng-kebèng-chèk-lo?" Ànsi jàngreso pulo: "Ne-òng-mar-atum
you are here firmly secured?" Then the orphan said: "My maternal uncles
asopi keme pu matha-thèk-the àn-pin do. Lasi
a daughter, how fair! as one cannot imagine so greatly have. Her
'èn-tu' pu ne-phàn ne-kipu, bònta ne-ke 'èn-e'
'take to wife' saying to me me they say, but I 'will not take'
pu kipusi, ne-òng-mar-atum aning-kithì-si ru
saying replying, my uncles becoming very angry cage (in)
ne-kebèng-chèk-lo." Ànsi recho-asopo pulo--"Che! tàngte ne
me have fastened up." Then the King's son said--"Oh! then I
èn-lòng-ji-ma?" "La ru-arlo-le nàng
(her) take (to wife) shall be able?" "This cage into you
nàng-do-te, èn-lòng-ji-te" pu jàngreso pulo:
here-get-in-if, you will be able to get her" saying the orphan said:
"elòm-te ne-òng-atum vàng-po, ànke--
"in a little while my uncles will come and--
'Ànhelo-ma?' pu nàng arju-lo-te, 'ànhelo,
'Have you anything to say?' saying you if they ask, 'all right,
èn-po, òngmar-li'--pura punòn." "To, tàngte," pu
I will take her, uncles'--saying reply." "Yes, then," saying
recho-asopo pulo. Ànsi jàngreso recho-asopo-aphàn pulo--"La
the King's son said. Then the orphan the King's son-to said--"That
nàng-pe nàng-ri-pèn mamàtle nàng ru-arlo nàng-lut-lo-te, nàng
your coat your dhoti-with bedecked you cage-into here enter-if, you
chini-dèt-po; apòtke ne ingpu-nòn: ne-pe ne-ri
they will recognize at once; therefore me let out: my coat my dhoti
nàng pipo, ànke ru-arlo lut-nòn." Ànsi recho-asopo ru
you I will give, then cage-into enter." So the King's son the cage
ingpu-si jàngreso nàng-bar-lo, ànsi jàngreso a-pe
having opened the orphan there came out, and the orphan his coat
a-ri recho-asopo pilo, la recho-asopo a-pe, a-ri,
his dhoti to the king's son gave, that King's son his coat, his dhoti,
a-lèk, a-roi, jàngreso pi-thu-lo, ànke
his necklace, his bracelets, to the orphan gave in exchange, and
recho-asopo ru-arlo lut-lo, ànsi jàngreso
the King's son into the cage entered, and the orphan
ingkir-dun-thip-lo. Ànsi jàngreso-ta recho-asopo a-pe, a-ri,
the door made fast. Then the orphan the King's son's clothes, dhoti,
a-lèk, a-roi che-pindèng, ahormu kedo-àn chepindèng-si,
necklace, bracelets, having put on, his things all having put on,
ha ahèm che-dàm-lo. Ànsi jàngreso a-òngmar-ta àn
away to his house went. And the orphan's uncles also rice
cho-dàm-pèn nàng-che-voi-lo, ru-alòng nàng-le-lo, ànsi arju-lo--
eating-from there returned, at the cage's place arrived and asked--
"àn-helo-ma osá?" "Ànhelo, òngmarli, èn-po"
"have you anything to say, nephew?" "All right, uncles, I will take,"
pu jàngreso-kethàn-kàng-asòn-thòt recho-asopo pulo. Ànsi
saying the orphan (by) instructed according to the King's son said. Then
ingchin-aru-pèn làngbi var-chui inghoilo.
the iron cage-with deep pool (into) throw into water (him) they did.
Ànke jàngreso-a-òngmar kòrte-bàng-theròk chi-pu-lo--
Then the orphan's uncles brothers six said one to the other--
"Àn alàng i-duk e-kànghoi a-pòt, nòn ànke alàng
"So much he us-trouble us-causing on account of, now however he
thi-lo"; ànsi hèm che-voi-lo. Ànke jàngreso puke-- kithi-ji
is dead"; and home they returned. Then the orphan as for-- dead
kali, recho-asopo a-pe, a-ri, a-lèk, a-roi
not at all, the King's son's coat, dhoti, necklace, bracelets
che-pindèng mesèn kemàt matha-thèk-the jadi-thèk-the-dèt
having put on, beautifully adorned inconceivably, unimaginably,
thèk-dàm-thu-le-lo! Ànsi latum chi-pu-le-lo--
they saw again on arrival! Then they said among themselves again--
"Jàngreso thi-lòt-lo kali! Ha-la-le,
"The orphan is not dead at all! There he is,
kemàt-lèp-ra ka-pàng-elim-ke." Ànke a-dung le-lo,
adorned and strutting in his finery." Then near him they went,
jàngreso-aphàn arju-thu-lelo-- "Osá! nàmtu-si nàngli
the orphan (accus.) asked-again-- "Nephew! how you
nàng-kele-tòng-ròk?" Ànsi jàngreso thàk-lelo-- "Che, òngmarli,
here arrived so soon?" Then the orphan answered-- "Oh, uncles,
ne-phi-ne-phu-atum dola-pèn-si ne
my grandmothers and grandfathers a palanquin-with me
nàng-kapethòn-dun-kòk-le; hali ne-li
here-caused to be escorted back; there I
le-ròk-pèn-apara ne-phi-ne-phu-atum
from the first moment of arriving my grandmothers and grandfathers
pe-keme, ri-keme, lèk roi ne-kepi: la làng-nòn!
coat-good, dhoti-good, necklace bracelets me gave: them look at!
Nànglitum-aphàn-ta pevàng-tu-po-nàng
You-to also cause-to-come it is necessary
kepha-dun-par: asin nàng-kelo, la ser a-tari-lòn,
they sent word urgently: a sign they have sent, this gold-of knife,
làng-tha!" pu pe-klàng-lo. Ànsi a-òngmar pulo--
look at it!" so saying he showed it to them. Then his uncles said--
"Kopusi nelitum kedàm-thèk-po?" "Ingchin arú
"How we go shall be able?" "Iron cage
abàng-phu-isi che-pòn-ra ha
person-head-one (i.e. each one of you) taking for himself that
làng-kung lut-dàm-ik-nòn" pu jàngreso pulo. Ànsi
river bank (to) get into it, good sirs" saying the orphan said. So
latum ingchin-aru che-pòn-si ha làng-kung lut-dàm-lo. Ànsi
they iron cages having taken that river-bank (to) got into them. Then
jàngreso ingchin aru rakdun-hèt-ràkdunhèt-lo. Ànsi
the orphan (in the) iron cages tightly tied up (each one). Then
jàngreso aklèng-si-abàng ingchin-aru-pèn làngbi
the orphan the eldest one with the iron cage deep pool (into)
var-dàm-chui inghoilo. Ànke-phòng làng-abuk-buruk
throw did. So then water-bubbles
vàng-jàm-cheplàng-lo; ànke jàngreso pu-le-lo! "Ja! òngmarli,
coming up many-continued; then the orphan said again! "There! uncles,
làng-tha! ne-òng-a-klèng-ke la ne-phi ne-phu hòr
look! my uncle eldest him my grandmother my grandfather beer
kipi-si hòr kàngri-si ka-chèng-òk-lo." Ànsi adàk-vàn-ta
having given beer having drunk is vomiting." Then the next one also
làng-var-lo. Ànke kòrte-bàng-theròk-ta
he threw into the water. Then the brothers six
làng-var-klip-si jàngreso hèm nàng-che-voi-lo. Ànsi
having all thrown into the river the orphan home returned. Then
jàngreso-aphàn a-ni-mar-atum nàng-arju-lo-- "Nàngli
the orphan (accus.) his aunts (uncles' wives) there asked-- "Your
òng-atum nàmtusi vàng-ji?" "Tòng-tòng vàng-ve: àn
uncles when will they come?" "Quickly they will not come: so long
kachepho-phe apòtsi, nòn kachepho-le-ma?"
not having met together on account of, now have they not met at last?"
pu jàngreso pulo. Ànsi jo-thòm jo-phili do-si
saying the orphan said. Then nights-three nights-four having waited
ako a-ni-mar jàngreso-aphàn nàng-arju-thu-le-lo-- "Nàngli
again his aunts the orphan (accus.) asked again there-- "Your
òng-atum pi-apòt vàng-ve-rèk-ma?" Ànsi jàngreso
uncles what for have not come by this time?" Then the orphan
thàk-lo-- "Vàng-dàp-pràng-po." Ànsi jo-ni
answered-- "They will come to-morrow morning." Then nights-two
jo-thòm dosi latum jàngreso-aphàn
nights-three having waited they the orphan (accus.)
arju-dàm-thu-le-lo-- "Nàngli òng-atum kopi-apòtsi nòn-pu-ta
asked again-- "Your uncles for what reason up to now
vàng-ve-dèt-ma?" Ànsi jàngreso thàn-lo-- "Nòksèk-le àn
have not come?" Then the orphan explained-- "In the nòksèk rice
dèng-pi-ik-krei-nòn." Ànsi jàngreso a-ni-mar-atum
set on (honorific) for each." Then the orphan's aunts
"thi-koi-lo!" pu chini-si, chirulo, chernàp-lo,
"they are really dead!" saying having recognized, wept, lamented,
mòn-duk-lo, mòn-sa-lo. Ànsi jàngreso plànglo-philo, pàk-ta
and were plunged in sorrow. So the orphan became rich, any one
làng-un-e-abàng ave-lo. Ànsi jàngreso recho kethe
to look on with envy there was not. So the orphan king great
chosi rèng-me-rèng-dòk-lo.
becoming, lived a happy and pleasant life.
NOTES.
Here we have a narrative of a more complex character than that of the
first story, with a richer vocabulary, and abounding in the descriptive
adverbial particles which are the main feature of the language.
Jàngre, orphan: so is a diminutive particle. Jàngre indicates that
one parent is dead; jàngrèng is used when neither survives.
Inut, a loan-word from the Khasi ngut, used for the enumeration of
persons: in Mikir initial ng is inadmissible.
Hèm-epi, widow, literally, "sole mistress of the house" (hèm); the
syllable e is perhaps a thinning down of a; pi is the feminine affix,
here of dignity.
Achèklè, brother, used only by a woman speaking of her brothers; ik is
used by both sexes; mar, collective particle, used to form plurals:
often atum is added; kòrte, brother; both kòr and te separately may
be used for either brother or sister; bàng, the class-word used for
human beings before numerals.
Do, a verb meaning to stay, dwell, exist; specially, it has the
meaning "to live with as a wife," and is the correlative of èn,
"to take (to wife)."
Arni-kàngsàm, "day-becoming-cool-time," the late afternoon. As is
natural where there are no clocks, the divisions of the day are
marked by other means than the count of hours. Arni is a day (or
sun), regarded without reference to the lapse of time = French jour;
anerlo is a day's space = journée. Similarly, ajo is a night, jirlo
a night's space. The first indication of coming day is vo-khu e-the,
"first cock-crow"; then follows vo-khu the-ni, "second cock-crow,"
and vo-khu the-thòm, "third cock-crow"; then the-àng prinpre-le,
"just before dawn"; then adàp kàng-thàng, dawn (adàp, general word for
morning); then nerlo-chitim, "day-middle," noon; then arni the-lelo,
"the sun at its height"; then arni-kàngsàm, "the sun becoming cool,"
afternoon; then ingting lim-rim, or ingting-rim, dusk. Then begins
ajo, night, when the evening meal is taken, after which soon comes
the first sleep, àn-cho mèk-bur, "rice-having-eaten eye-close";
then jirlo chitim, midnight.
Nàng-, a particle used, prefixed to verbs, to give vividness, is
really the pronoun of the 2nd person singular, emphasis being given
by referring the verb to the person addressed. Nàng at the end of
the phrase is the verb of necessity = must; it often means "let us
do this or that."
Pàt, as a noun, is a stone dam or fence, put across a stream with
an opening in the middle in which the bamboo cage or fish-trap, ru,
is placed; as a verb, it means to build such a dam or fence; du means
to place a thing so that it will catch or intercept something else.
Làng, water, stream: làng-thàk up-stream, lang-ber down-stream.
Che- prefixed to verbs gives them a reflexive meaning, and indicates
that the action relates to the subject; hèm che-voi-lo, "he went
home, to his own house"; che-pu-lo, "they said to one another";
ru che-vàt-dàm-lo, "they went to inspect their own fish-trap."
Chikung, a cray-fish; chikàng is an imitative sequent; similarly
phàng-o, carelessly, is followed by phàng-a.
Jàng, as a verb, means to fill up, or, of the containing vessel, to
hold--òk-kejang a-ru, "fish-to-hold-trap." Notice that òk means both
fish and flesh; alone, it has usually the former meaning, or that
of game, animals hunted; when joined to the name of an animal, the
latter: chainòng-a-òk, beef; phàk-a-òk, pork; bi-a-òk, goat's flesh.
Tèng and plèng both mean to be full: sèt is a particle added to
strengthen the verb, taking the place of the tense-affix.
Adàp-vàng, "every morning"; literally, "as (each) morning
came." Che-rai-ver-lo; here che- is the reflexive particle, rai a
verb, to occupy, take up, ver a particle indicating continuance,
lo the tense-affix; the whole therefore means "they kept on taking
up for themselves."
Du-tekàng-ke-dèt-si; du, verb, to place, set; tekàng, a verb, to
leave, depart; ke, negative syllable, reduplicated from last syllable
of tekàng, dèt, particle of past time, si affix of conjunctive
participle; the whole therefore means "not having placed and left,"
"without setting up at all."
Ejòn: jòn is the class word for animals, as bàng is for persons,
used with numerals; e- is the prefix for "one"; the other numerals
follow--phàk jòn-ni, jòn-thòm, two, three pigs.
Matha thèk-the: matha, verb, to think, imagine; thèk, verb, to be
able (also to see); the negative affix: the whole therefore means
"as could not be imagined"; jadi-thèk-the is a doublet of the same
meaning. Àn-pin: àn, particle of quantity; pin up to; also tik;
àn-pin or àn-tik therefore means "to such a degree."
Akèng e-hòng: a its (the calf's), kèng, leg, e-, one (as before), hòng
class-word for enumerating parts of the body; ha, particle indicating
distance; La, this, ha-la, that: la-dàk, here, ha-dàk, there.
Tèke-nàng-kòrdut-pi a-oso: tèke, "tiger"; nàng, particle of vividness,
or, possibly, "you"; kòr, verb, to bite, dut, particle strengthening
the verb and dispensing with tense-affix, pi syllable used in abuse,
a- syllable of relation, osó boy: the substantive being put last
indicates that the verb is to be taken passively: "you tiger-bitten
scoundrel of a boy!" As the Mikirs consider that to be eaten by a
tiger is conclusive evidence of the wickedness of the victim, the
phrase is equivalent to "you wicked wretch of a boy!"
Nàng peklàng thèk-ser ma-si: nàng, "you," klàng, verb, "to see,
observe"; pe-, causative particle, so that peklàng means "to show, to
produce"; thèk, verb, to be able, ser strengthening particle, "fully";
ma, syllable used for direct or indirect questions: doji-ma? "will
you marry me?" Nàng peso èn-tàng-ma? "have you taken a wife?"; then,
for alternatives, do-ji-ma do-de-ma? "will you marry him or not?";
and lastly, as here, "if you are not able to produce--then," etc.;
si, affix of conjunctive participle, properly a locative particle.
Dei, "very good," a loan-word from Khasi. Tàng-te, "then,"--properly
"not having finished"; tàng is the verb meaning to be ended, completed,
te the negative syllable.
Vung-dàm-phlut inghoi-lo. This periphrastic construction, in which
inghoi, to do, is used to strengthen the verb, seems to be borrowed
from Assamese; many examples occur further on.
Po-arnàm-po! a honorific form of address; po, literally, "father,"
but used also of a son (cf. the Hindustani baba) arnàm, God
(Ass. deuta), po, big, honourable. For a girl the corresponding
phrase is pe-arnàm-pi. Dohòn, Assamese dhòn (dhan), wealth, money;
notice that the dh is resolved by the insertion of a vowel; similarly,
further on, bahar occurs for bhar (Ass.), a load; neither dh nor bh
is used in purely Mikir words.
Tòn, hotòn, one of the numerous words for basket. Tàng-ho, a
word used by a messenger to express the wish of him who sent
him to ask for something: not used in other phrases. Tòn pi
kànghoi-i-ji-ne "the basket for the purpose of doing what is?" Pi,
what, kànghoi, infinitive, to do, -i syllable added to indicate
purpose, ji affix of future, ne, particle of enquiry, an Assamese
loan-word. Làng-dun-tòn-tha: làng, verb, to look, dun, verb, to
go with, to be with, tòn, verb, to peep, pry, tha, imperative
particle. Tèng, to measure, with a vessel of known contents;
originally, to fill (see above, tèngsèt = plèngsèt). Konàt-tòng
kelòng-dàm-lo-ne: konàt, where: tòng, a particle expressing
uncertainty: "where on earth did he get it"? Sai-se "in order to";
"he really (chinàm) has to use a basket in order to measure this mass
of money!" Thòn, to return a thing borrowed. Vàng-tha-tu tàng-ho-po:
notice the use of po, father, as a respectful address, by the mother
to her son; so also the uncles address their nephew respectfully with
nàng-li. Nàngli-tum-ne-kithu-pi-pèt achainòng: notice the string
of descriptive words prefixed adjectivally to the noun: this is an
excellent example of the manner in which Mikir deals with what in
English would be a relative sentence--"the cow of mine which you put
to death by cutting her up"; literally, "by-you-my-killed-and-cut-up
cow." Thu, to kill by cutting; pi, here a verb meaning to cut a large
mass (see note to preceding story, p. 94); pèt adverbial supplement
indicating completeness.
Chetàng-te, "It is not enough": che, reflexive particle, tàng,
verb, to complete, finish; te, negative: literally, "it does not
finish our business, it does not do all we want." Che-hàng-jo: hàng,
to call out, summon; che, as before, indicates that they all called
out together; jo is one of the particles used to indicate plurality;
others (which will be found further on) are jàm and krei. Làng,
an auxiliary verb which seems to indicate continuousness, to go on
being or doing. Observe that -te is used to indicate the two parts
of a conditional sentence: chainòng a-òk jòr-dàm-te, èn-ji làng-te
"if we go selling cow's flesh, they will go on taking it." In
chainòng-do-o-para, o is a syllable indicating multitude, perhaps
another form of òng; para is a loan-word from Assamese. Abàng-phu,
"each one"; also abàng-phu-isi (used further on); phu means "head,"
isi "one"; the latter is used in bamòn-po-ròng-isi in the sense of
"the whole," "as one man." A-ri-kòk-krei-si: a-ri "their hands," kòk,
verb, "to tie with a noose," krei, particle of plurality. Katirva,
"to offer for sale," a loan-word from Khasi (tyrwa). E-ke-chobei,
"us he has cheated," e- is the pronoun of the first person plural
including the person addressed. Notice the doublets--echainòng ehaidi
"our cattle," erèng e-hu, "our skins" (hu, "hide, bark of a tree"), and
observe how e- is prefixed to each part of the sentence. Atum chibusi:
tum is here a bamboo basket in which to carry a load on the back; bu,
"to plait or weave." Hèm me-kecho "the house that had been eaten (cho)
by fire (me)"; hum, to pick up, collect. Phelo means both "ashes"
and "cotton." Arju-lòng-si, "having got (lòng) to hear (arju)." Arju
means both "to hear" and "to ask."
Chi-hi-ri-tha, chi reflexive particle; hi, verb, "to rub in";
ri particle for the negative imperative, "do not"; tha, ordinary
imperative affix, which may be dispensed with when the negative
particle is used. Tha! "wait"! loan-word from Assamese. Tàn-mu-chòt:
mu is the comparative particle, "more," chòt is the constant
suffix to mu; tàn, a verb, to be severe, burdensome. Chu-aphàn,
"than last time:" aphàn is the postposition of comparison =
"than." Lòng-dàm-o-lo "have you got so much more": o is, as before,the
particle of multitude. Kedòr-de: dòr, "to suffice, be enough"; de
negative syllable; hàng-jo, "they cried in crowds" (jo, particle of
plurality). Ong-e-dèt; òng "much," particle of quantity; e, negative;
dèt tense-suffix. The-dung "big"; ke-the great, dung particle; on
its addition the ke- is dropped.
Habit, "in the jungle," locative of Assamese habi, forest. It is
noticeable that many, if not most, Assamese nouns borrowed by Mikir
are taken over in the locative case (of which the final t is the
proper ending in Assamese), as here: thus dèt, "country" = Ass. deh;
munit, "man" = Ass., muni; nòrokòt, hell = Ass. nòròk. Konane "some
one or other," Ass. loan-word. Keme-pu "she is so lovely!" me,
"to be fair, beautiful," pu, literally, "saying." Èn-tu: here
èn, "take," has the special sense of "take to wife, marry"
(see what is said of do, ante, p. 95); tu, one of the signs of
the imperative mood, is perhaps borrowed from the Khasi to. Bònta,
"but," perhaps a Khasi loan-word. Àn-helo-ma, a difficult expression
to translate: àn "so much," particle of quantity; helo "far"; ma
particle of questioning; it might be rendered "how are you getting
on?" literally "thus-far-what"? But it is also used in the answer
to the question: àn-helo there seems to mean "all right"--"so far so
good." To-tàngte; to is a Khasi loan-word: in that language it is used
in answer to a question to express assent = "very well." Var-chui,
"to throw into water," "drown": so also nim-chui. It seems possible
that chui here may be an old word for water, corresponding to the
Tibetan chhu. Che-pindèng "having put on himself": pindèng, "to put
on," is an Assamese loan-word. Kithi-ji kali: the use of ji, the
particle of the future, seems anomalous here: possibly the phrase
means "he is not going to die, not looking as if he were going to
die;" kali is the emphatic separate negative. Dola, "a palanquin,"
Ass. loan-word. Ke-pha-dun-par: pha, verb, to send a message: dun,
verb, to be with: par intensive particle, "urgently." Nàngkelo
"they have sent": lo is a verb, "to send a thing," while toi means
"to send a person." Ser, gold; it is remarkable that the Tibetan word
(gser, pronounced ser) is used for this object of culture both in Khasi
(ksiar) and Mikir, and not the Assamese (son, hon); for silver, on the
other hand, the Aryan rup is in general use. Lut-dàm-ik-nòn; lut, verb,
"enter," dàm, verb, "go"; ik, honorific address = "elder brother"
(though he is speaking to his maternal uncles); nòn imperative
particle. Note the doubling of the verb ràk-dun-hèt-lo to indicate
repetition of the action in the case of each person.
Nòksèk-le. The nòksèk (see plan of Mikir house at p. 8) is the
part of the house where the food (àn, cooked rice) is placed as an
offering to the Manes. Dèng, "to place a share, leave a share";
pi "give"; ik honorific (as above); krei particle of multitude =
"for each one." Mòn-duk-lo, Assamese loan-words (mon, mind, heart,
dukh, grief). Làng-un-e-abàng "a person who cannot (un-e) look on
(làng) another (for envy)."
III.
HARATA KUNWAR ATOMO.
HARATA KUNWAR'S STORY.
Harata Kunwar kòrte bàng-theròk,
Harata Kunwar (and) his brothers (were) six persons,
akibi-si Harata Kunwar. Amehàng-kethèk-pèn-apara thijòk,
the youngest (being) Harata Kunwar. From the time of his birth deer,
phàk-lèng ke-àp, tiki-ke inghoi-he; a-ikmar
wild pig shooting, he never did any field-work; his brothers,
bàng-phòngo-ke sai-katiki. Ànsi latum kòrte bàng-phòngo
the five of them, laboured in the fields. Then they, the five brothers,
a-po-pèn bàng-theròk chingvai-lo: "Alàng Harata
with their father six persons, took counsel together: "This Harata
Kunwar-ke tiki-ke inghoi-he òk hung-chòt; apara ningve
Kunwar doing no work deer hunts only; therefore at night
chingvai-nòn." Ànsi aningve chingvai-lo. Apo
take counsel together." So that night they took counsel. His father
aso aklèng-aphàn arju-lo--"Nàng kopusi àn ne-hi-po?"
his son eldest (accus.) asked--"You how rice me-will-supply?"
"Ne-pu-tàngte sarlar plàngsi jo-arni me
"As for me, a headman having become night and day I
do-ji; sarlar a-màn bàng-kevàn
will hold assembly; headman's perquisites by people brought
ahòr-ahàn-pèn-si àn-lòk àn-me hòr-làng hòr-po nàng
the rice-beer-from rice-white rice-good beer (doublet) to you
pi-ji." "Tàngte nàng adàk-vàm-ke kopusi àn ne-hi-po?"
I will give." "Then you the next, how rice me will supply?"
"Ne-pu-tàngte hemai hànsari plàng-si jo-arni noke
"As for me, a blacksmith (doublet) becoming night and day knives
no-pàk thip-ji; la noke nopàk nàng-kethip-atum
daos I will forge; by those knives and daos there made by me
kevàn a-hòr a-hàn akove abithi pènsi
brought (i.e. procured) beer (doublet) betel-nut pan-leaf together
àn-lòk àn-me aràk-chidhir nàng-piji." "Nàng
with rice-white rice-good spirit (doublet) you I will give." "You
adàk-vàm adunke, kopusi àn ne-hi-po?" "Ne-pu-tàngte
the second next to, how rice will you supply me?" "As for me,
sai-tiki-si puru phàndar pelòng-si ànlòk
field-work-doing granary store having got together rice-white
àn-me hòr-làng hòr-po nang-piji." "Nàng adàkvàm adun
rice-good beer (doublet) you I will give." "You the second next
le-thòt-ke, kopusi àn nehipo?" "Ne-pu tàngte
coming after, how rice will you supply me?" "As for me,
bàng-ahèm do-dun-si, labàng ne-kepi
(other) person's house inhabiting as a companion, that person me given
a-àn ahòr ahàn-si nàng pipo." "Nàng
rice and beer (doublet) you I will give." "You
adàkvàm-adun-le-thòt-ke kopusi àn nehipo?"
the second next coming after, how rice will you supply?"
"Ne-pu-tàngte bàng-abàn asòt plàngsi ne-kepi
"As for me, another person's slave (doublet) becoming me given
a-àn ahòr ahàn- pènsi ne-àn nàng pi-po." "Tàngte
rice and beer- (doublet) with, from, my rice you I will give." "Then
nàng Harata-Kunwar-ke, kolopu-si àn ne-hipo?"
you Harata-Kunwar, in what way rice me will you supply?"
"Nepu-tàngte Arnàm-aso Arni-aso èn-si recho kethe
"As for me, God's child, Sun's child having married, a king great
plàngsi, inghoi athàk inghu-athàk, kapòt-athàk kaplèng-athàk nàng
having become, throne upon (doublet) plank-upon (doublet) you
pàngni-si bàn-sòt-atum náng-ri nàng-kèng
having caused to sit slaves and maids your hands your feet
nàng-pechàm-si, hòr àn aràk-chidhir nàng-pi-ji." Ànsi
having caused to wash, beer rice spirits you I will give." So
chingvai-tànglo. Anerlo sai-tiki-alòng,
they finished consulting together. That day, cultivation-place-in,
Harata-Kunwar abàng-kave-aphi, alàngtum kòrte bàng-phòngo apo-pèn
Harata-Kunwar not being there, those brothers five, with their
bàng-theròk chingvai-thu-voi-phàk-lo. "Alàng
father persons-six, began to consult together again. "That
Harata-Kunwar Arnàm Arni-aso èn-si recho plàng-ji-si
Harata-Kunwar God Sun's child having wedded a king will become,
pu? Konàt arecho-si alàngke plàng-ji-ma? apara pethi-lòt-lo-nàng.
indeed? Where a king is he to become? so then kill let us (him).
Apara ningve chingvai-thu si-nàng." Aningve
So then at night time let us consult together again." That night
àn-chodèt jundèt alàngtum chingvai-lo, kopusi
rice having eaten having drunk they consulted together, how
kapethi apòtlo. "Apara hèm-thàp kim-po-nàng;
the killing was to be done. "So then a field-hut let us build;
Harata-Kunwar-aphàn-ke naidung-ahoi-le kim-pi-ra
Harata-Kunwar (accus.) clearing-on the border having built it
pehòn-po-nàng. Ànke etum ajo dàm-ra chir-pèn
let us cause to watch. Then let us by night going with a spear
tòk-òt-nàng." Alàngtum kachingvai Harata-Kunwar
thrust-and-kill-him." Them taking counsel together Harata-Kunwar's
atepi arju-dun-lo. Ànsi adàp àn-chodèt
eldest sister-in-law overheard. Then in the morning rice having eaten
jundèt alàngtum kado-kave sai-tiki-dàm-aphi Harata-Kunwar
having drunk they all having gone to work after, Harata-Kunwar
òk-hung-pèn hèm vànglo. Ànsi atepi àn pilo;
from hunting home came. Then his sister-in-law rice gave him;
àn-chodèt jundèt atepi pulo-- "Nàng
rice having eaten having drunk his sister-in-law said-- "(On) you
miso nàng-prolàng, Harata-Kunwar." Ànsi
a black ant (here = louse) there let me kill, Harata-Kunwar." So
a-rèk pelo, pe-ma-pe-lo amèk-kri H. K.
a louse she killed, while she was killing it a tear H. K.'s
akèng-athàk nàng-klo-bup. Ànsi H. K. arju-lo-- "Tepi,
leg-on fell with a splash. Then H. K. asked-- "Sister-in-law!
nàng chiru-dèt-ma-da?" Ànsi atepi pulo-- "Chiru-re:
you are weeping?" And his sister-in-law said-- "I am not weeping:
arve a-mu-si nàng-ke-klo." Ako pe-ma-pe
rain-of a drop has fallen on you." Again while she was killing,
amèk-kri nàng-klo-thu-voi-phàk. H. K. arju-thu-le-lo-- "Nàng
a tear fell upon him a second time. H. K. asked again-- "You
chiru-dèt avi, tepi! ne-thàn-nòn, kopi-apòtsi nàng
crying are really, sister-in-law! me explain to, for what reason you
kachiru-ma." Ànsi thàn-lo: "ne-lòkhai àn-tàngte
are crying." Then she explained: "my father-in-law and also
nàng-ik-atum kachingvai, hèm-thàp nàng
your brethren have taken counsel together, a jungle-hut (in) you
pehòn-si ajo chir-pèn nàng
having made to watch, by night with a spear you
tòk-òt-ji-si-pu: lasi ne ka-chiru." Ànsi H. K.
will pierce and kill-they say: that is why I am weeping." Then H. K.
pulo-- "Phere nàng-ne; nàng ne-thàn-lo, me-lo; menàp
said-- "You need not be afraid; you me have told, it is well; to-morrow
a-dàp nàng promàn lòng-ji. Ne thi-the-tàng-te, alàngtum aphi-aphi
morning you proof will get. I not dead am-if, them after
hèm nàng-dunsi chilònghe thàm-theròk ne sarnung
home here coming, worm-castings clods six I roof (upon)
nàng-var-po: Lale sarnung ne-nàngkevar arki ave-dèt,
here will throw: that if roof (on) my-here-throwing noise there is not,
tàngte ne kithi-lo." Ànsi arni-kàngsàm apòr a-ik-atum
then I shall be dead." Then day-becoming cool-time his brothers
rit-pèn nàng-che-voi-lo, ànsi apo pulo: "Ningve-ke
from the field there returned, and his father said: "This night
H. K.-ta hèm-thàp hòn-dun nàng-po; sòk phàk
our H. K. jungle hut (in) go watching must; the paddy pigs
cho-koi-lo; ha naidung-ahoi netum hèm-thàp
are eating up; there clearing-on border we a jungle-hut
nàng-kim-pi-koi-lo." Ànsi àn-cho-dèt jun-dèt, H. K.
have finished building." Then rice having eaten having drunk, H. K.
a-thai che-pòn-si hèm-thàp dàm-lo; ànsi chitu-
his bow taking with him the jungle-hut went-to; and (name of a plant)
a-the lik-pòn-si a-làng phingu-a-òp-pèn bi-si, arlèng
fruit having gathered, its juice plantain-sheath-in having put, man
ki-i a-sònthòt-si-athàk pe pachàp-si
sleeping (of) likeness upon clothes having put round
pi-i-lo; H. K.-ke sòk a-se arlo
he put it to sleep; H. K. himself rice-arch underneath
chepatu-joi-lo. Ànsi àn-cho-mèk-bur a-po
hid himself quietly. Then after their first sleep his father
a-ik-atum chingthurlo:-- "Vàng-noi, H. K. pithi-dàm-po nàng."
his brothers awoke one another:-- "Come now, H. K. to kill let us go!"
Ànsi abàng-phu chìr-epàk chi-vàn-si, H. K.
Then each one of them a spear-one taking with him, H. K.'s
ahèm-thàp-alòng vàng-lo. Ànsi apo pulo-- "Da-nàng, aklèng!
jungle-hut-place (to) came. Then his father said-- "Go you, the eldest,
arlu-ra tòk-dàm-nòn!" Aklèng pudèt-- "Kopusi ne
climbing up pierce him through!" The eldest answered-- "How I
tòk-dàm-hai-ji-ma? e-kòr tàng-dèt, e-mu tàng-dèt-lè;
go and pierce dare shall? our brother he is, our younger brother he is;
ipi isi-pèt, i-po isi-pèt; aphuthàk chubòng isi-pèt chithe
our mother is one, our father is one; moreover nipple one breast
isi-pet tòng-ràp-chòm: akòrte tàng-dèt, kopusi pithi
one we sucked together: brothers-full-being, how kill-him
hai-ji-ma? ne hai-he!" "Da tàngte nàng adàkvàm!" Adàkvàm
should I dare? I dare not!" "Go then, you the second!" The second son
pu-voi-phàk-- "Mai! patèng-kali, paju-kali:
rejoined-- "Ah! (of a) second wife he is not (the son) (doublet):
kòrte-apòk, mu-te-apòk tàngdèt-le, kopusi
brother of one womb younger brother of one womb since he is, how (him)
pithi-hai-ji-ma? ne hai-he." "Da-tàngte nàng adàk-vam-adun."
slay should I dare? I dare-not." "Go, then, you second-to the next."
La pu-voi-phàk-- "Kèng-thàm isi-pèt, kèng-pàk isi-pèt, ri-dèng
He rejoined-- "Our thigh is one, our foot is one, our upper arm
isi-pèt, ri-pèk isi-pèt-si, kethe-ràp-chòm akòrte tàng
is one, our hand is one, we grew up together, our brother since
dèt-le, kopusi pithi-thèk-ji-ma? ne thèk-the!" "Da-nàng
he is, how could I possibly kill him? I cannot!" "Go now you,
adàkvàm-adun-lethòt." La pudèt-- "Mòk e-bòng-pèt tòng-ràp-chòm
second-next-next." He said-- "Nipple-one (at) having sucked together
akòrte tàng-dèt, aphu-thàk-ta bhin kali bha kali le, kopusi
brothers fully being, moreover sister he has none (doublet) how
kapithi hai-ji-ma? ne hai-he." "Da-tàngte nàng akibi."
kill him should I venture? I dare not." "Go-then, you the youngest."
"Mai! kopusi nele ne ketoi-ma? Ne dun-tàngdèt, ne-pu-tàng-te,
"Ah! how me are you sending? I being next him, as for me,
akibi-pèn the-ràp-ràp: aphuthàk-ta àn
childhood-from we grew up together: over and above that, rice
e-vàn-pèt kecho-ràp, hòr harlung isipèt
(from) one platter we ate together, beer mug one (from)
kejun-ràp: abàng-le ne pithi-hai-ji-ma? ne hai-he."
we drank together: such a person I to kill should dare? I dare not."
Ànsi apo àning-thi-lo: "Tàngte kopusi 'H. K. pithi-nàng'
Then his father became angry: "Then how 'H. K. must be killed'
pu nàngtum kepu-hai? plàng-ple-ple-le,
saying ye dared to say? if you cannot bring yourselves to this
nàngtum pinso plàng-vàngve," pusi nujòk arlu-si,
you male will never become," saying, the post climbing up,
chir-pèn lobòng-a-òp tòk-proi-lo; ànsi
with a spear the plantain-sheath he pierced through; then
chitu-alàng nàng-bu-lo; ànsi "H. K.
(name of plant)-juice came dropping out; so "H. K.
kàngtàng-ma-kàngtàng nònke nàng-dàn-lo-bò! Arnàm
strong though he be, now here he has got his deserts! God
Arni aso ènsì, recho kethe peplàng-bòm-lo-nàng
of the sun's daughter having wedded, a great king let him make himself
nòn-ànke." Ànsi H. K. nàng-arju-dunlo: "Kopi-kopi
now!" Now H. K. there overheard all this: "What, what
tàng-a, ikmar-li?" pulo: ànke "H. K. athai do" pu,
are you saying, brothers?" he said: and "H. K. his bow has" saying,
phere-si kàt-lo; chingthu-cherbu-si kàt-lo;
fearing they ran away; stumbling and falling they ran;
ahèmthàp kachile
at their jungle hut their own arriving,
aning-vàngphàk-vàngphàk, ànsi ajo-pàngthàng
they vomited (lit. their breast came up), and night-clearing away
bòr-i-dèt-si adàp hèm chevoilo. Ànsi H. K.-ta
with great difficulty in the morning home they returned. Then H. K. also
alàngtum-aphi-aphi dun-si, chilònghe thàm-theròk sarnung
them after coming, the worm-casts clods six on the roof
var-dun-lo. Ànsi àn-chòdèt jundèt a-ikmar rit
threw. Then rice having eaten having drunk his brothers field (to)
dàmlo; aphi H. K. vànglo. Ànsi atepi àn pilo.
went; afterwards H. K. came. Then his sister-in-law rice gave him.
Chodèt jundèt pulo, "Ai tepi! ne dàk
Having eaten and drunk he said, "O sister-in-law! I here
nàng-do-dun thèk-the-lo: kòrte-apòk mu-te-apòk aphu-thàk
remain with you cannot: my brothers own (doublet) nay even
e-po-apòk-ta ne-pràn ne-mui-si ne arlèn-thuròng; ne-pethi-ji
our father own even my life (doublet) me aim at (plur.); me to kill
ne-pejàng-ji-si matha-thuròng. Apòtke ne
me to slay they are plotting (plur.). Therefore I
chòngvir-po. Sàng-tèt sàngti him sàngpher-le ne
will go a-wandering. A provision of rice bread parched rice also to me
sik-pi-nòn." Ànsi atepi pu-tekàng-lo-- "Lale ne
preparing give." Then to his sister-in-law he said on leaving-- "If I
thi-dàm-de jàng-dàm-de-dèt, tàngte ne-kevàng-apòr chelònghe
do not die (doublet), then my-returning-time (at) worm-cast
thàm-theròk nàng-varpo; ànke inghoi-inghu kapòt-kaplèng
clods-six here I will throw; then the stools the planks
chàm-nòn." Chiru-ràp-jo-si chekàk-lo.
wash clean." Having wept together they parted.
Ànsi H. K. athai che-pòn-si kedàm-ma-kedàm, ànsi a-phi
Then H. K. his bow having taken went along, and his granny
hèm-epi ahèm le-lo. "O phi! nàng bàng-do?" Sarpi
the widow's house (at) arrived. "O granny! are you there?" The old woman
nàng-thàk-dèt "Komàt-ma? dàk putàng-te, ne-dòn ne-ràp
there answered "Who is there? as for this place, to me kith and kin
avedèt-pile: komàtsi kevàng-ma?" H. K. thàk-dèt, "Ai ne phi."
there is not any: Who is come?" H. K. answered, "Oh, I, granny."
Ànsi sarpi pulo-- "kopi-kevàng-ma, po? neke
Then the old woman said-- "Why have you come, my dear? I am but
hèm-epi: ne hèm ave ne rit ave:
a lone widow: I house have not I field have not:
cho-hàng chorèk-chòt-si kecho: kopi kevàng-lo?" H. K.
food-begging (doublet) only (from) I eat: why have you come?" H. K.
thàkdèt-- "Nàng-lòng nàng-do-dun-po." Sarpi
answered-- "With you I will remain here as a companion." The old woman
pudèt-- "Nàngke recho-athèng kethe-athèng le, kopusi
said-- "You that fit-to-be-a-king, fit-to-be-a-great-man are, how
ne-hèm nàng nàng-kedo-dun-thèk-ji ma?" H. K. thàk-dèt-- "Me
in my house you can keep me company?" H. K. answered-- "Good,
phi: nàng-do-dun-po." Ànsi do-dun-lo thàk-dun-lo. Ànsi
granny: here I will stay." So he stayed with her (doublet). Then
aphi hèmepi pulo-- "H. K., nàng sòk te-dun-nòn;
his granny the widow said-- "H. K., do you the paddy spread out to dry;
ne recho-aròng sòk-sàng rèk-dàm-po. Mo sòk
I in the king's village paddy-rice to beg am going. After paddy
te-dèt nàng làng-chinglu dàm-ji-sèt-ta, làng-thàk
you have spread out, you in the stream bathe to go if want, up-stream
dàm-ri: la etum a-hèm a-lòngle chinglu." Ànsi
go not: this of us two house ground (upon) bathe." Then
sòk-te-dèt aphi hèm-epi recho-aròng dàm-lo.
paddy having spread out his granny the widow to king's village went.
H. K. sòk pòn-lo: harlo-dun-lòtsi
H. K. the paddy took: having turned it over frequently
palòm-pèt pe-rèng-dèt-si sòk
in a very short time having thoroughly dried it the paddy
oi-si làng chinglu-dàm-lo.
having collected together in the stream he went to bathe.
Ànsi H. K. matha-voi-phàk-- "kopi-apòtsi ne-phi 'làngthàk
Then H. K. thought again-- "for what reason my granny 'up stream
dam-ri' pu ne-kepu-tekàng-lo-ma? Làng-thàk nàng-dàm-si
go not' saying me telling went away? Up stream there going
nàng-làng-dàm-ji-làng," pusi làngthàk dàmlo. Ser
I will go and see for myself," so saying up stream he went. Gold
alàng-the rup alàngthe kephuk thèk-dàm-lo.
water-vessels silver water-vessels broken he, going, saw.
"O lasi 'làngthàk dàm-ri' pu ne-phi
"Oh, that was why 'up-stream go not' saying my granny
ne-ke pu-tekàng-le. Ningve nèng-arju-ji, komàt-ching
told me when she went away. To-night I will ask her, whose
a-lànghe ne." Ànsi hèm nàng-chevoilo. Ànsi a-phi
watering-place it is." So home he returned. Then his granny
hèm-epi-ta recho-aròng-pen arni-kàngsàm hèm nàng-chevoilo.
the widow-also king's village-from in the afternoon home returned.
Ànsi a-ningve àn-cho-dèt jun-dèt H. K. arju-lo:
Then that night rice having eaten having drank H. K. asked:
"Komàt-ching a-lànghe ma, la làng-thàk? Ser alàngthe
"Whose watering-place is it, that up stream? Gold water-vessels
rup alàngthe kephuk oi-cho." Ànsi hèm-epi pulo: "Làngthàk
silver water-vessels broken are strewn." Then the widow said: "Up-stream
dàm-ri pu ne nàng kepu-tekàng: nàng arju-je-dèt-si
go-not saying I you told at parting: you not hearing (obeying)
nàng làngthàk dàm avi-le?" Ànsi H. K. thàk-lo-- "Dàm-te-ma,
there up-stream went surely?" Then H. K. answered-- "Yes, I did go,
phi: ne-thàn-tha, komàt-ching a-lànghe ma." Ànsi
granny: explain to me, whose watering place it is." Then
aphi hèm-epi thàn-lo: "Bari-the Recho a-lànghe;
his granny the widow explained: "Palace-great king's watering place;
asomar, kòrte bàng-theròk, làng-nàng-kachinglu-adim:
his children, sisters six, in the water bathing-place (it is):
dàm-ri-nòn aparke." Ànsi H. K. matha-voiphàk-- "Ne-phi
go not now any more." Then H. K. considered again-- My granny
dàm-ri-thu pusi, ne-pu
'go not again' having said, as for me,
nàng-dàm-thu-ji-làng." Ànsi làngthàk dàm-thu-lo.
there going again I will continue." Then up stream he went again.
Làng-kung chipatu-joi-si nerlo-chitim Bari-the
River bank (under) hiding himself quietly, day-middle Palace-great
Recho asomar kòrte bàng-theròk
King's children, sisters six,
làng-nàng-chinglu-ji-si vànglo.
(in) the river for the purpose of bathing came.
Nàng-klo-èt-jo akàn nàng-chi-bi-kòk
Descending there beautifully their clothes there having laid aside
làng sun-phit: inut akàn
into the water they jumped all at once: each one her clothes
nàng-chibi-kòk làng sun-phit, keme-òng
having laid aside into the water jumped at once, most lovely!
chiklo-tur-dèt arni tur-dèt lale kachinglu lale
moon-splendour sun-splendour (like), there they bathed, there
kachingthi. Ànsi arni ingsàm-jin-lo. Aklèng
they washed themselves. So the day became cool gradually. The eldest
nàng-pinkhàt-lo: "Ai ètmarli! kitun apòrlo,
there-admonished-them: "O my dears! cooking-time it is,
kedàng apòrlo, e-vo chibèng apòr, e-phàk
serving-up-time it is, our fowls to house time it is, our pigs
chibèng apòrlo: e-pi e-tàmpo, e-po e-tàmpo,
to house time it is: our mother us will scold, our father us will scold,
dàm-po-nàng." Ànsi chinglu-tànglo,
let us go!" So bathing-they finished,
chingthi-tànglo: inut akàn
washing themselves they finished: one her clothes
nàng-chihijìr-phlum-phlum chi-i-lòk-si ingjar-èt, inut
shaking out so as to flap, having put on flew away beautifully, another
akàn chihijir-phlum ingjar-èt, ànsi
her clothes having shaken out so as to flap flew away beautifully, and
akibi-si-ke aphi ingjar-èt-jo, chiklo-atur
the youngest of all afterwards flew away beautifully moon's-brightness
arni-atur thelalàk. Sining lut-le-tik, lale H. K.
sun's brightness just like. The heaven not entered-until, there H. K.
kelàng-dun puke angphun chepekèk-koi. Ànsi
stood gazing so that his neck (in) he got a crook altogether. So
sining lutkoi-lo, thèk-dun-de-lo: ànsi hèm
the heaven they entered quite, he saw them no more: so home
chevoilo. H. K. aning mathalo "àn akeme, àn akechòk,
he returned. H. K. in his mind thought "so beautiful! so lovely!
nàng èn-lòng-le-tik
here until I can get one to wife,
nàng-kim-lòng-le-tik
here until I can build the wedding bower (subaud, I will not rest);
ningve ne-phi nàng-arju-le-po." Ànsi hèm
to-night my granny I will ask again about them." So home
le-ròk àn-cho-dèt jun-dèt H. K. aphi arjulo:--
having arrived rice having eaten having drunk H. K. his granny asked:--
"Mai! phi! la-sòntòt akeme la-sòntòt akechòk
"Oh! granny! that-like beautiful, that-like lovely
ne thèk-lòng-le-làng; kopusi ke-èn lòng-po-ma?
I saw got never; how to take one to wife shall I attain to?
bidi ne thàn-tha!" Aphi pudèt-- "Ai H. K.! bàng-ke
a plan to me explain!" His granny answered-- "O H. K.! those ones
arnàm-aso arni-aso recho-aso kethe-aso
god's children sun's children king's children great one's children
kopusi nàngke arlèng-aso-le
(are): how should you, who are but a child of man,
ke-èn-lòng-ji-ma?" H. K. pulo-- "kali, phi! èn-lòng
succeed in getting one to wife?" H. K. said-- "not so, granny! get one
nàng-ji: bidi ne thàn-nòn."
to wife I must: a plan to me explain."
Thàn-the tik-tàk arju-ver-si thàn-lo:
Did not-explain (she) so-long-as (he) continuing to ask, she explained:
"Nàng ke-èn-ji-pèt-tàngte, la làng-kung-le rit
"You are-bent-on-wedding-one-if, that river-bank-on a field
pàn-dàm-nòn." Ànsi H. K. pulo-- "Me-òng-chòt-lo, phi: menàp-pèn-apara
to clear go." And H. K. said-- "Very good, granny: to-morrow-from
pàn-dàm-po." Ànsi adàp the-àng the-àng-e
I will go and clear it." And the morning dawning not dawning
làng-ding: ànsi adàp ing-thànglo. Ànsi nopàk
he continued to watch: so (at last) the morning dawned fully. Then a dao
e-pàk che-pòn-si dam-lo. Le-ròk-pèn do-de,
one taking with him he went. Arriving-from he waited not,
sàng-se, lale kepàn lale kepàn, arni-si-pèt
he rested not there clearing there clearing, in one day only
pàn-dèt pi-dèt, ànsi màm thilo, me keilo: lale
he cleared it fully (doublet), then jungle cut, fire set-to-it: there
kecho puke, abèng akòk thi-rok-re
it (the fire) ate it up so quickly, a piece of wood, a stalk lying-not
cho-èt. Ànsi thèngthe, hànjàng, nòk, phingu, arche-lo,
it devoured. Then maize, millet, sugar-cane, plantain he dibbled in,
aphu-thàk-ta mir phèk-e, tado, mir-kadòmphui,
over and above also (name of a flower), white lily, marigold,
asòn-sòn mir e-lo. Ànsi Bari-the Recho asomar
various kinds flowers he planted. Then Palace-great King's daughters
làng nàng-chinglu-lelo: nàng-klo-èt-jo
(in the) river there-to bathe-arrived: there they descended beautifully,
keme thèk-the-òng puke--chiklo-le vàng-phlòt, arni-le vàng-phlòt
lovely to impossibility so--moon-as-if came down sun-as-if came down
thelalàk. Ànsi chinglu-tàngdèt
just like. Then having finished bathing
chingthi-tàngdèt, H. K. ateràn nàng-thèklo.
having finished washing themselves, H. K.'s garden-plot they saw there.
Ànsi pulo-- "Mai! komàt arit-ma? me-òng-he." Aklèng
So they said-- "Oh! whose field is it? it is very pretty." The eldest
thàk-dèt-- "E-kòrpo H. K. ateràn-le-ma."
answered-- "Our cousin (brother-in-law) H. K.'s garden plot it must be."
Ànsi sining chingjar-thu-èt-jo-lo. H. K. "nàmtusi
Then to heaven they flew away again beautifully together. H. K. "how
ke-èn-lòng-po-ma?" pu matha-ding, ànsi
shall I succeed in getting her?" saying continued to think, and
aphi arju-thu-le-lo-- "Ai phi! nàmtu-ching-si
his granny went and asked again-- "Oh, granny! when and how
ke-èn-lòng-apòtlo-ma?" Aphi thàkdèt-- "La-pu-pe-lòng,
am I to succeed in getting one?" His granny answered-- "That-way-not,
asu-po: hèm-thàp chi-kim-tha." Ànsi adàp
grandson-dear: a jungle hut build for yourself." So in the morning
hèm-thàp kim-dàm-lo. Arni-si-pèt hèm-thàp thepi
a jungle hut he went to build. In one day only a jungle hut very big
kim-dèt-si hèm chevoilo, ànsi "hèm-thàp tànglo,
having-built home he returned, and "the jungle hut I have finished,
phi," pu thàn-lo. "Tàngte pòngsi
granny," saying he explained. "Then (in) a flute
che-èt-nòn," pusi aphi pinkhàt-lo. Ànsi pòngsi
bore a hole for yourself," saying his granny advised him. Then flutes
che-èt-o. Ànsi thèngthe-apòr hànjàng-apòrlo.
he bored several for himself. So maize-time millet-time it became.
Aphi pinkhàt-lo-- "Hèm-thàp chehòn-dàm-ra pòngsi
His granny advised him-- "In your jungle hut going to watch flute
but-nòn." Arit putàngte, palòm-pèt lale mir
blow." His field as-for, in a very little time there flowers
kàngthu-puke, matha thèk-the-dèt. Ànsi Bari-the Recho
blossomed-so, it could not be imagined. Then great-Palace King's
asomar làng nàng-chinglu-le-lo: nàng-ingjar-èt-jo
children in the river there to bathe arrived: there flying beautifully
inut akàn chi-bi-kòk làng sun-phit, inut
one her clothes laying aside in the river jumped straight, another
akàn chi-bi-kòk làng sun-phit, lale kachinglu
her clothes laying aside in the river jumped straight, there bathed
lale kachingthi. Ànsi aklèng nàng-pinkhàt-le-lo--
there washed themselves. Then the eldest there advised them again--
"Da, ètmarli, dàm-po-nàng." H. K. lale pòngsi kebut puke,
"Come, dears, let us go." H. K. thereupon his flute blew so,
matha-thèk-the-dèt. "Mai! pòngsi-kebut-ta
it could not be imagined. "Oh! flute-playing indeed
ju-me-òng: H. K. abàng do-avi: da ètmarli,
is very good to hear: H. K. a person it is surely: come, dears,
mir che-hàng-dàm-si-nàng"; ànsi vànglo. "H. K., nitum mir
flowers to beg let us go"; so they went. "H. K., we flowers
chilòk-pòn-chòt-làng, chilòk-pòn
for ourselves pluck take a few wish, pluck and take
ningke-ma, po?" "Chilòk-pòn ningke-ma,"
are you willing that we, sir?" "Pluck and take, I am willing certainly,"
pu, H. K. pulo. Ànsi abàng-phu-ta mir
saying, H. K. said. So each one of them flowers
chilòk-pòn-si dàmlo, ingjar-pòn-èt-jo.
having plucked and taken went away, they flew away gracefully together.
Sining lut-le-tiktàk, H. K. lale kelàng-dun-puke
In heaven (they) not entered so long, H. K. there continued gazing so,
amèk chi-peso-koi, ano chi-peso-koi. Ànsi
his eyes became quite sore, his ears (i.e. eyes) became quite sore. So
sining lut-koi-lo: thèk-dun-de-lo-pu-ànsi,
the heaven they entered completely: he-could-no-longer-see-them-when,
H. K. ta hèm chevoilo. Ànsi aphi hèm-epi nàng-arjulo--
H. K. also home returned. Then his granny the widow there asked him--
"Mini Bari-the Recho asomar nàng chingki-pòn-ma?"
"To-day great-Palace King's children with you did converse?"
"Chingki-pòn-te; mir-ta ne
"Yes, they conversed; flowers even me
kehàng-pòn-làngle." Ànsi aphi bidi thànlo:
they asked to be allowed to gather." Then his granny a plan explained:
"Menàp-ta arni keme: Bari-the Recho asomar làng
"To-morrow (is) a day good: Great palace King's children in the river
nàng-chinglu-le-ji-apòtke, chipatu-joi-ra
there to bathe-arriving-on-as-soon-as, hiding yourself quietly
làng-dun-tòn-nòn. La aklèng-atum kòrte bàng-phòngo-ke apèngnàn
watch secretly. Those elder (plural) sisters persons five husbands
do-àngse-lo. Akibi-si dèt-lo, latu Mòn Recho
have all got. The youngest only, her Mon Raja (King of the winds)
asopo-aphàn kerai-dun; hòrbòng hòrte
his son-for is asking in marriage; the beer-gourds (doublet)
le-koi-lo. Bònta la-dèt-lo, la-apini-le
have all arrived. Nevertheless her only, her petticoat (accus.)
pàngthèk-dun-ra làng kachinglu-aphi dàk
having carefully singled out, in the river they-have-plunged-after, here
vàn-nòn. Ne la-sòntòt apini alar-thàk-po: lale
bring to me. I it-just like a petticoat in exchange will weave: that
pòn-ra adim-thòt bi-pi-dàm-thu-nòn. La-apini-binòng-ke
taking in that same place go and set it down again. Her-petticoat-own
patu-joi-po-nàng. Ànsi alàng
hide-quietly-let-us. Then she
ingiar-dun-thèk-the-lo. Lale apini nàng
to fly away with the others will not be able. There her petticoat you
che-hàng-lo-te, 'inut-le-inut ne-do-nòn' pu-ra pu-nòn."
she asks for-if, 'one or other of you become my wife' saying say."
"To, me-òng-chòt-lo, Phi," pu H. K. pulo. Aphi labàngso
"Yes, very good indeed, granny," saying H. K. said. His granny that
abidi thàn-chèk-pèn-apara, H. K. aning aròng kedo
plan having explained-after, H. K.'s mind cheerful became
matha-thèk-the-dèt; ajo-ta amèk jàngthèk-the
as you cannot imagine; the whole night his eyes close he could not
a-no jàng-thèk-the matha-ding. Ànsi adàp ing-thànglo:
(doublet), but continued thinking. Then morning fully dawned:
àn-chodèt jundèt arit chedàmlo. "Nàmtu-ching-si
having eaten rice having drunk his field (to) he went. "When
nerlo chitim-po-ma?" pu inghòng-ding; ànsi sàngti-arlo
day middle will it be?" saying he continued waiting; then sand-beneath
chi-patu-dam-joi. Ànke nerlo-chitim Bari-the Recho asomar
he hid himself quietly. So at mid-day Great Palace king's children
vànglo: nàng-ingjar-èt-jo, inut akàn
came: there they flew down gracefully, one her clothes
nàng-chi-bi-kòk làng-sun-phit inut akàn
putting aside plunged into the river, another her clothes
nàng-chi-bi-kòk làng-sun-phit, ànsi
laying aside plunged into the river, and
làngkachinglu-aphi H. K. thur-joi-si
they had entered the water after H. K. rising quietly
la-kibi-si apini ajiso inghu-pòn-dèt-si
that youngest one's petticoat striped cloth stealing and taking away
aphi hèm-epi alòng pòn-phit-lo. Ànsi aphi
his granny the widow- to took it straightway. And his granny
la-sòntòt apini ajiso thàk-thu-lo,
it just like a petticoat a striped cloth wove in exchange,
palòm-pèt thàk-dèt. Ànsi H. K. nàng-kàt-thu-voi-lo,
in a very short time she wove them. Then H. K. there ran back again,
adim-thòt-si pini jiso bi-dàm-thu-si,
place-that-same-in petticoat striped cloth putting down in exchange,
ahèm-thàp chevàngsi pòngsi but-lo: lale kebut puke
his jungle-hut going into, the flute played: there he played so that
matha-thèk-the jadi-thèk-the. Ànsi chinglu dòr-lo,
it could not be imagined (doublet). Then they had enough of bathing
chingthi-dòr-lo. Ànsi aklèng
they had enough of washing themselves. Then the eldest
nàng-pinkhàt-le-lo-- "Ai ètmarli, dàm-po-nàng;
there admonished them again-- "O my dears! let us go;
ketòk-apòr, kesèt-apòrlo;
it is (rice) pounding time, it is time for the second pounding;
ketun-apòr kedàng-apòrlo; kebe-apòr,
it is cooking-time, it is setting-on time; it is time to heat the beer,
kesòr-apòrlo." Ànsi akàn nàng-chi-i-dèt-si
time to squeeze it out." Then her clothes there having put on
pu-thu-le-lo-- "Da, mir che-hàng-dàm-si-nàng." Ànsi mir
she said again-- "Come, flowers let us go and beg." Then flowers
chelòk-dàm-dèt ànke aphràngsi aklèng ingjarlo; ànsi
having gone to pluck thereupon first the eldest flew up; then
akibi-atum-ta ingjar-dun-èt-jo-lo; ànsi
the younger ones also flew up with her gracefully all together; then
akibi-ta ingjar-dun-lo
the youngest also tried to fly with them,
ingjar-dun-thèk-the-dèt: ingjar-tàng-te,
but found she was unable to fly: if she flew up,
nàng-klo-thu-bup; ingjar-dun-chòt,
there she fell back again; if she tried to fly with them,
nàng-klo-thu-bup. Ànsi aklèng pulo-- "Mai!
there she fell back again. Then the eldest said-- "Oh!
kopi-ching apòtlo-ma?" Ànsi aklèng-atum-ta
what in the world is the matter?" Then the elder ones also
nàng-chihir-thu-voiphàk-lo, ànsi H. K. alòng vàngsi pulo-- "Ai H. K.,
there came down again, and H. K.'s place coming said-- "O H. K.,
nàng si ne-mu apini lar-dèt avi,
you it is who our younger sister's petticoat have changed without doubt,
apòt-ke vàn-nòn" pu-hàng-lo. Ànsi H. K. thàk-dèt--
therefore bring it back" saying they called out. Then H. K. answered--
"Inut-le-inut ne-do-te." Bari-the Recho asomar pudèt:
"One or other of you be my wife." Great-Palace King's children said:
"Kopusi nàng-kedo apòtlo? netum ne-pèngàn
"How you to marry is it possible? we our-husbands
kedo-tàng, ne-pèngàn kedo-tàng rèp-le." H. K.
have got already, our husbands have got already married to us." H. K.
pudèt-- "Tangte ne pini nàng-pi-thèk-the: inut-le-inut
said-- "Then I petticoat you give up cannot: one or other of you
ne-do-ma-si." Ànsi Bari-the Recho asomar chepulo:
me must marry." Then Great-Palace King's children said one to another:
"Te, nàng-do-nòn." Aklèng thàk-dèt: "Kopusi
"Sister (elder), do you marry him." The eldest answered: "How
ne-le kedo-ji? ne-so kechàn-jai-le." "Tàngte adàk-vàm,
should I marry him? I-children several have already." "Then the next,
nàng-le do-nòn." "Kopusi ne kedo-thèk-po? ne
do you marry him." "How I should be able to marry him? I
ningke ne-so bàng-phili tàng-dèt-le." "Adàkvàm-adun,
myself also my children four have got already." "Second sister-next-to,
nàng-le do-nòn tàngte." "Kopusi kedo-thèk-ji? ne ningke
do you marry him then." "How can I possibly marry him? I also
ne-so bàng-kethòm tàng-dèt-le." "Tàngte
my children three have got already." "Then
adàkvàm-àdun-le-thòt, nàngle do-nòn." "Ne-ta ne-so bàng-hini
second sister-next-to-next, do you marry him." "I too children two
tàng-dèt-le, kopusi kedo-po?" "Nàng
have got already, how should I marry him?" "You
adàk-vàm-adun-le-thòt, nàng-le do-nòn."
second-sister-next-to-next following, do you marry him."
"Do-thèk-the, ne-ta ne-so inut tàng-dèt-le-ma?" "Tàngte
"I cannot marry him, I too my child one have I not already?" "Then
nàng akibi-si-le do-nòn." Akibi-si thàk-dèt--
you the youngest, do you marry him." The youngest answered--
"Ne-tu, Mòn Recho asopo-aphàn ne kerai-dun tàng-dèt-le:
"As for me, Mon Raja his son-for me is asking in marriage already:
hòr-bòng hòr-te nàng-le-koi-lo; pusi
the gourds of beer there arrived all have; how
kedo-thèk-po?" Aklèng-atum pudèt-- "Bònta nàng
can I possibly marry him?" The elder sisters said-- "But you
pàngri-re-dèt-làng-le-ma: nàng-le do-nòn-èt! Ingting-po,
are not married yet: do you marry him, dear! It will be dark soon,
netum dàm-po: ha hèm-ta e-vo e-phàk
we must be going: there at home our fowls our pigs
ingrèng-jo-si-do-po; aphu-thàk-ta e-pi e-po
will all be calling out for us; moreover our mother our father
nàng-làng-phròng-si-do-po. Netum-ta
there will be looking out for us. We also,
vàng-bòm-ji-le-ma?" Ànsi akibi-ta pulo--
shall we not continue to come and see you?" Then the youngest said--
"Pu làng-ma te-marli? do-po, nàng-tum dàm-nòn;
"What is to be done, sisters? I will marry him, do you go;
e-pi e-po aningthi-dèt-ji." Ànsi aklèng-abàng pulo--
our mother our father will be very angry." Then the eldest one said--
"H. K., nàng thàn-bòm-ta arju-je-dèt-lo,
"H. K., you (our) instruction from time to time would not listen to,
apòtke ne-mu nàng-tekàng-po; bònta aduk
therefore our youngest sister here we are leaving; nevertheless grief
pi-ri alàk pi-ri; ketun toi-ri, kedàng
give her not, trouble give her not; to cook send her not, to serve up
toi-ri; aphu-thàk-ta a-ri su-ri-tha, akèng su-ri-tha." Ànsi
send her not; moreover her hand touch not, her foot touch not." So
a-mu che-pere-tekàng-si sining
their younger sister having instructed and left behind to heaven
chingjar-thu-èt-jo-lo. Sining lut-le tiktàk,
they flew up again beautifully together. Heaven not entered so-long-as,
chi-làng-dun-ding: ànsi
they (H. K. and his wife) continued gazing together: then
thèk-dun-de-lo. Pu-ànsi H. K. pulo-- "Ingting-po,
they could see them no more. Then H. K. said-- "It is getting dark,
e-tum-ta dàm-po-nàng." Ànsi H. K. aning aròng do-lo,
let us also go our way." So H. K. his mind joyful lived,
jo-arni thijòk ke-àp phàk-lèng ke-àp
night-and-day deer shooting wild-pig shooting,
a-ur krèng-kre a-ràp krèng-kre.
his platform (for drying flesh) was never dry his shelf was never dry.
Ànsi ningkan isi ingtàng-lo. "Ai phi, 'ne hèm chedàmpo' pusi
So a year one came to an end. "O granny, 'I home I will go' saying
ne-kepulo, kolopu-lo-ma?" pu H. K. pulo. "Nàng
I say to myself, what am I to do?" saying H. K. said. "You
hèm-tàng-dèt, nàng rit-tàng-dèt-le-ma, chedàm-ta me;
have your own house, you have your own field indeed, you can go, well;
bònta nàng-peso nàng-che-me-me-làng." "Bònta," H. K.
but your wife with you does not get on well yet." "But," H. K.
pudèt, "ningkàn-isi-lo-le-ma-thi, phi." "Bònta nàng
said, "a year one (whole) it is, though, granny." "Nevertheless, you
che-me-me-la." Ànsi "Ai tàngte, dàm-thèk-the-làng-po" H. K.
have not hit it off yet." Then "Oh, then, go I cannot yet," H. K.
pulo. Ànsi H. K. lale katiki lale kànghoi puru kelòng
said. Then H. K. there working in the field (doublet) barns-full getting
phàndar kelòng, hèm-epi ahèm puke
granary-full getting, the widow's house so
ingkro ingtòng
cylindrical receptacle for rice conical basket
ardung-dung. Ànsi H. K. aso Arnàm pilo,
were so many (i.e. was filled with). And H. K. a child God gave,
aso inut-lo. Ànsi aphi arju-thu-le-lo: "Ai phi
a child one only. Then his granny he asked again: "Oh, granny,
ne-pi ne-po-atum a-lòng chedàmpo-si ne kepu."
'my mother my father's place (to) I will go' I say to myself."
Hèm-epi thàkdèt: "Nàng-peso nàng cheme-me-làng-ti,
The widow answered: "Your wife (to) you is not yet well reconciled,
asupo." "Kali phi, chemelo: ne so inut
grandson dear." "Not so, granny, she is reconciled: me child one
tàng-dèt-lo-le-ma?" "Da tàngte: nàng thàn-bòm-ta,
has she not already given me?" Go then: you I repeatedly advised,
nàng arju-thèk-the-dèt-lo; chedam-nòn; bònta nàng-peso
you would not listen to me; go together; nevertheless your wife
nàng-cheme-me-làng de." Ànsi H. K. apeso chepulo
is not thoroughly reconciled, indeed." Then H. K. his wife (to) said
"Ai nàng-pi, i-li-ta e-hèm chedàm-po-nàng." Apeso thàkdèt,
"O thou dear one, we two to our home let us go." His wife replied,
"Da, nàng ne kepòn aling-lo-he." Ànsi adàp-lo:
"Go, you me taking wherever you will." So it became morning:
àn-cho-dèt jun-dèt dàmlo. Tovar e-bèng
rice having eaten having drunk they started. Road a piece (of)
lelo. Ànsi asopo-pèn apeso-pèn avàm
they arrived. Then his child and his wife his waist
tàmpòng-hèt-si, poho-pèn
putting between waist and girdle firmly, with his turban
che-vàm-phòng-hèt-lo. Ànsi dàm dàm dàm,
he bound well round his body. So as they went on their way,
vo-har alopo inglòng nàng arke-dut,
a jungle-fowl male on the mountain (side) there was scratching,
arlòk nàng-arke-dut matha-thèk-the jadi-thèk-the. Ànsi H. K.
the precipice was scratching inconceivably (doublet). Then H. K.
pulo-- "Chi, vohar-alopo, kopi kacheplàng-ma? ne hèm
said-- "Oh, jungle-cock, what are you doing there? I home
kachedàm-tòng tovar ne pèk-nòn." Vohar alopo
am-going-in-a-hurry, the way to me leave free." The jungle cock
thàkdèt-- "Tovar nàng kepèk-ji kali: 'mini H. K.
answered-- "The way to you I will leave free by no means: 'to-day H. K.
apeso aso chevàn-po' tàng pusi
his wife his child will bring' so much saying to myself,
akhàt akhàt amàng amàng ne nàng ketòn-le." H. K.
the way he is coming (doublet) I here am watching." H. K.
pu-voiphàk-- "Che, pulèm-dèt-ri! emoke 'H. K. apeso aso
rejoined-- "Oh, joke do not! hereafter 'H. K. his wife his child
hèm rit chevàn-ànsi ne-pràn ne-mui dàmlo' pu
house field (to) bringing while, my life my soul is gone' thus
pupa-na." Vohar alopo pudèt, "Pupe. Mini
do not have to say." The jungle cock said, "I do not say so. To-day
nàng-ta-me ne-ta-me." H. K. pulo "Sakhit-ma?" "Sakhit."
either you or I (will prevail)." H. K. said "Is that true?" "Yes, true."
"Dohai-ma?" "Dohai." Ànsi H. K. athai chepaching-kàngsi
"Do you swear it?" "I swear." So H. K. his bow having set
abòp. Ànsi dàm-thu-chòt, vo-rèk alopo tovar
shot him. Then a little further he went, a cock pheasant the way
nàng-parpàn-pèt inglòng nàng-arke-dut, arlòk
right across the mountain there was scratching, the precipice
nàng-arkedut matha-thèk-the jadi-thèk-the. Ànsi H. K. pulelo
there was scratching in an extraordinary manner. Then H. K. said again
"Chi vo-rèk-alopo, kopi nàng-cheplàng-ma? ne hem
"Oh, cock pheasant, what are you doing there? I home
kache-dàm-tòng, tovar ne-pèk-nòn." Vo-rèk alopo
am in a hurry to go, the way leave free for me." The cock pheasant
pudèt-- "Tovar nàng kepèk-ji kali: 'mini H. K.
said-- "The road to you I will yield by no means: 'to-day H. K.
apeso aso chevàn-po-tàng' pusi akhàt akhàt amàng amàng
his wife his son will bring along' saying the way he is coming (doublet)
ne nàng-ketòn-le." H. K. pudèt-- "Chi, pulèm-dèt-ri! emoke 'H. K.
I am watching." H. K. said-- "Oh, don't joke! hereafter 'H. K.
apeso aso chevàn-ànsi ne-pràn ne-mui dàm-lo'
his wife his son bringing-while my life my soul departed'
pupa-na." Vorèk alopo pudèt "pupe." H. K.
don't have to say." The cock-pheasant said "I don't say so." H. K.
pu-le-lo--"Sakhit-ma?" "Sakhit." "Dohai-ma?" "Dohai." Ànsi
said again "Is that true?" "True." "Do you swear?" "I swear." Then
H. K. athai chepaching-kàngsi abòp.
H. K. his bow having set shot him.
Ako dàm dàm dàm, phàk-lèng alopo kethe puke matha
Forward as they went, a wild boar (male) great so as could
thèk-the jadi-thèk-the, àngthur àngni pàn-lòk-phòng, tovar
not be imagined (doublet), his snout his tusks overlapping so, road
nàng-par-pàn-pèt inglòng nàng-thimur-phàk arlòk
there-right-across the mountain| there was rooting the precipice
nàng-thimur-phàk abidi thèk-the-dèt. Ànsi H. K. pulo: "Chi,
there was rooting in an extraordinary way. Then H. K. said: "Oh,
phàk-lèng alopo, kopi nàng cheplàng-ma? Tovar ne-pèk-tha:
wild boar, what you are doing there? The way leave free for me:
ne hèm kapele seraràk-ji." Phàklèng alopo thàkdèt-- "Tovar
I home want to get quickly." The wild boar answered-- "The road
nàng kepèk-ji kali: 'mini H. K. apeso aso
for you I will leave free by no means: 'to-day H. K. his wife and child
chevàn-po-tàng' pusi akhàt-akhàt amàng-amàng
will bring along,' saying to myself the way he is coming (doublet)
ne nàng ketòn-le." H. K. pudèt "Chi, pulèm-dèt-ri!
I here am watching." H. K. said "Oh, don't jest!
jasemèt ma-pu-ma?" Phàk-lèng alopo pulo "Jasemèt." H. K. pudèt--
is it true or not?" The wild boar said "It is true." H. K. said--
"Emoke 'H. K. apeso aso hèm chevàn-ànsi ne-pràn dàm-lo
"Hereafter 'H. K. his wife his son home while bringing my life is gone,
ne-mui dàm-lo' pupa-na." Phàklèng alopo pudet--
my soul is gone' don't have to say." the wild boar said--
"Pu-pe." "Sakhit-ma?" "Sakhit." "Dohai-ma?"
"I don't say so." "Is that true?" "It is true." "Do you swear?"
"Dohai." "Chi, tàngte"-- pu a-thai chepaching-kàngsi abòp.
"I swear!" "Oh, then"-- saying his bow having set he shot him.
Ànsi hèm-le-ji-dòk-dòk-lo, chilònghe thàm-theròk
So (when) he had nearly arrived at his home, worm casts clods six
pàngrum-si H. K. sarnung vardàmlo. Ànsi
having collected H. K. the roof (on) went and threw them. Thus
atepi pulo-- "H. K. vànglo! To inghoi
his elder sister-in-law said-- "H. K. has arrived! Then the stools
kechàm inghu kechàm." Ànsi inghoi inghu kapàt kaplèng
wash the seats wash!" So the stools seats planks benches
chàm-lo. Ànsi H. K. phàklèng e-jòn vàn-si, pai-a-re
they washed. Then H. K. wild-boar one having brought, the hedge beside
nàng-bikòk-si hèm vànglo. Ànsi kelepèn
there having set it down home came. Then on his arrival
atepi hòrlàng hòrpo him sàng-pher
his eldest sister-in-law beer (doublet) bread parched rice
nàng-pi-lo. Apeso keme-òng puke, arni atur thelalàk
gave him there. His wife very beautiful so, sun's splendour like,
charsàp un-e. Ànsi a-ik-atumke-- "paningve
be looked in the face could not. Then his brothers-- "To-night
kopi-ching ahàn-lo-ma?" pu ning-ri-jo. Ànsi H. K. pulo:
what in the world has happened?" saying were perplexed. Then H. K. said
"Ne mo tovar phàkso nàng-abòp: ja
"I a while ago on the way a little pig there-shot: there
pai-are-si me bi-tekàng-kòk: lale cho-phi
beside the hedge well I placed and left it: there scorch it for eating
dàm-nòn." Ànsi a-ikmar-atumke kòrte-bàng-phòngo dàmlo; aphàk
go." Then his brothers, the brothers five, went; the boar
kethe-òng peklèm-àn-ta un-e: thàngta
(was) so very big, move it even they could not: anything
chònghoi thèk-the. Ànsi H. K. dun-lo: ari
do by themselves they could not. Then H. K. accompanied them: hand
e-hòng rum-dàm-kòk: ànsi phi-si
one (with) he lifted and brought it away: then having scorched it
ingthàn-lo, ànsi hèm vàn-lo, cho-tun-lo chodànglo. Ànsi aròng
they cut it up, and home brought, cooked it, served it up. And joyful,
bohòng chingnèk chingni-si cho-lo, jun-lo.
noisy, laughing and making merry, they ate, they drank.
Ànsi puthòt-adàplo. "H. K. apeso chevànlo" tàng pu
So next morning dawned. "H. K. his wife has brought" so much saying
arju-lòng-si a-ràt-isi adèt-isi nàng kelàng
having got to hear the whole country-side there to see
chethòr-pre matha-thèk-the jadi-thèk-the. Ànsi H. K.
kept coming and going as you could not imagine (doublet). And H. K.
apeso apini binòng, ajiso binòng, aser
his wife's petticoat own striped cloth own, gold jewels,
alèk, pòng-ting-ke, làng-pòng thàp mesèn-si
necklace, gold-drum (in a) bamboo joint putting away carefully,
kardòng ràklòk. Ànsi H. K.-ke ròng-phu-ri
(in the) pitch of the roof tied up. So H. K. the village people
dàmlo, rup-phu-ri-dàmlo: aràt adèt
each went to visit (doublet): the ryots, the country
chi-phu-ri dàm: aphi apeso nàng kelàng
in turn came to visit him: afterwards his wife there to gaze on they
vàng-pre. Mane-ke "ni" mane-ke
kept coming and going. Some "aunt" some
"nèng" mane-ke "te" mane-ke
"sister-in-law" (brother's wife), some "elder sister" some
"pinu" pu-abàng-ta-dolo. "Vai!
"paternal aunt" saying each one was. "Oh!
me-òng-te-ma?" pu pasingnàk-jo. Ànsi H. K.
is she not beautiful, sister?" saying they all admired. Then H. K.'s
apeso thàk-dun-lo-- "Àn-chòt kali lànghe! Ne pini binòng, ne
wife answered them-- "So much not yet! My petticoat own, my
jiso binòng, ne lèk binòng, ne roi binòng le ne
striped cloth own, my necklace own, my bracelet own again I
chepindèng-lòng-te, aparta so-se-làng." Ànsi mane
to put on were to get-if, it would not be thus only." Then some
asarpi pulo-- "Chi, tàngte nàng pi-tha." Ànsi H. K.
old woman said-- "Oh, then do you give them to her." Then H. K.'s
asarpo pulo-- "Konàt-tòng la oso ingchàm bipikòk-lo-ne-le?
old father said-- "Where ever (did) that boy mad stow them away?
kopi athe-tàng apini jiso binòng kepi-pe-dèt?"
for what reason her petticoat striped cloth own did he not give her?
Ànsi H. K. apeso thàn-lo-- "Hala kardòng-le
Then H. K.'s wife explained-- "That pitch of roof-in
keràk-chèk-ke." Ànsi phri-dàm-si
he has tied them in a bundle. Then having untied
nàng-pi-lo. Ànsi chepindèng-lo
there he gave her (the things). Then she put them on herself
che-sum-pòt-lo. Lale keme-puke matha-thèk-the-dèt chi-plàng-lo.
(doublet). Thereupon beautiful so inconceivably she became.
Ànsi "Ai! me-ke mesèn-te-ma! arnàm-aso arni-aso pu
Then "Oh! beautiful, lovely indeed! God's child, the sun's child, called
pai-pe-lo." Ànkephòng H. K. apeso
not for nothing is she." Thereupon H. K.'s wife
thur-phlut-si chehijir-phlum-phlum-lo,
rising up her full height shook out her clothes flap-flap,
ingjar-èt-dàn-lo. Ànke H. K.
flew away gracefully (thither whence she came). Then H. K.
ha-tovar-pèn nàng-chethèk-dun-si, thai-pèn
from a distant path there having watched her, bow (accus.)
jo-dun-ràng-ràng-lo. Ànsi apeso pu-tekàng-lo,
continually kept bending. Then his wife said on leaving him,
"Tha, tha, mo chiphoji." Ànsi H. K. chiru
"Wait, wait, hereafter we shall meet again." Then H. K. weeping
chernàp mòn-duk mòn-sa-si hèm nàng-le-lo.
lamenting sad and sorry at his house arrived.
Nàng-kele-pèn cho-che jun-je a-oso
Immediately on arrival, not eating, not drinking, his child
nàng-chi-bu-dèt-si ha aphi hèm-epi ahèm
having taken on his back, to his granny the widow's house
chedàm-phit-lo. Ànsi dàm dàm dàm aphi hèm-epi ahèm
he started to go. So going along his granny the widow's house (at)
lelo: kele-pèn lale kachiru lale kachernap
he arrived: on arriving there he wept there he lamented
matha-thek-the jadi-thèk the. Ànsi aphi pulo-- "Hako-pèn
as you could not imagine. Then his granny said-- "From the first
'Nàng-peso nàng-cheme-me-làng' nàng-pulo-he; kopusi nòn-le
'Your wife is not yet united with you' I told you verily; how now
nàng-kelàng-ji-làng? Nàng sining-le kopusi
will you get to see her again? You heaven-to how
kedun-thèkji?" Ànke chiru-pèt àn-muchòt
will you be able to follow her?" Then weeping so much the more
cho-che jun-je aphi kedàm-aling dun-kri,
not eating not drinking his granny went-wherever following,
bar-pi bar-so-le kedàm-ta hundun-kri,
outgoings-great outgoings-little-in going also he kept dogging her,
kethi kejàng-si kedo-po. Ànsi aphi pulo:
one-dying, one-perishing (like) he remained. At last his granny said:
"H. K. akhi lo-du-dèt-le cho-tha: ne mo
"H. K., food leaf (in) having wrapped up eat (imper.): I thereafter
bidi nàng-thàn-ji." Ànsi akhi-lo-du him
a plan to you will explain." Then food-in-a-leaf-wrapped bread
sàngpher cho-lo. Ànsi aphi bidi thàn-lo: "Minàp-ke
parched rice he ate. Then his granny a plan explained: "To-morrow
nàng-peso Mòn Recho asopo nàng-kachepàngri-ji vàng-po. Ako
your wife Mon Raja's son there to marry will come. Before that
nàng-hupo àngnar-ta nàng-làng-chinglu-ji
your father-in-law's elephant-also there in the river to bathe