XX.
THE BRÂHMAṆ PRIEST WHO BECAME AN AMILDÂR.[1]
In the Karnâta dêśa there reigned a famous king named Châmunḍa, who was served by an household priest, named Gundappa, well versed in all the rituals at which he officiated.
Châmunḍa, one day, while chewing betel-leaves, thus addressed Gundappa, who was sitting opposite him:—
“My most holy priest, I am greatly pleased at your faithfulness in the discharge of your sacred duties; and you may ask of me now what you wish and I shall grant your request.”
The priest elated replied: “I have always had a desire to become the Amildâr[2] of a district and to exercise power over a number of people; and if your Majesty should grant me this I shall have attained my ambition.”
