III.
BRAVE SEVENTEE BAI.
SIU RAJAH,[1] who reigned long years ago in the country of Agrabrum,[2] had an only son to whom he was passionately attached. The Prince, whose name was Logedas, was young and handsome, and had married the beautiful Princess, Parbuttee Bai.
Now it came to pass that Siu Rajah's Wuzeer had a daughter called Seventee[3] Bai [the Daisy Lady], who was as fair as the morning, and beloved by all for her gentleness and goodness; and when Logedas Rajah saw her, he fell in love with her, and determined to marry her. But when Siu Rajah heard of this, he was very angry, and sent for his son, and said: 'Of all that is rich and costly in my kingdom I have withheld nothing from you, and in Parbuttee Bai you have a wife as fair as heart could wish; nevertheless, if you are desirous of having a second wife, I freely give you leave; there are daughters of many neighbouring kings who would be proud to become your Queen, but it is beneath your dignity to marry a Wuzeer's daughter; and, if you do, my love for you shall not prevent my expelling you from the king-
18
- ↑ Or Singh Rajah, the Lion King.
- ↑ I am indebted to Sir Charles Trevelyan for pointing out that this is undoubtedly no other than 'Agrabhum,' the 'Land' or 'District' of Agra; as Bèrbhúm, the Land of Heroes; jonam-bhúm, the land of one's birth; Virabhúm, Manbhúm, and many others.
- ↑ 'Chrysanthemum indicum.' Commonly called 'Christmas Daisy' in Bombay.
