The Gamarala and the Cock

THE GAMARALA AND THE COCK In a certain country a Gamarala was continually quarrelling with his wife. In the Gamarala a disposition was manifested for…

THE GAMARALA AND THE COCK

In a certain country a Gamarala was continually quarrelling with his wife. In the Gamarala a disposition was manifested for ascertaining the motives of others.

At the Gamarala's house there were twelve hens for one cock. One day, the two old people quarrelling while the Gamarala is on the raised veranda, the cock says to the hens, "Ane! What a fool this Gamarala is! I am keeping in order twelve wives; my master is unable to keep in order one wife. Should my wives make a disturbance I will beat the whole of them well," he said.

The Gamarala having understood the motive for which the cock said it, and shame having been produced, went into the house and beat his wife well. After that, the woman and the Gamarala without a quarrel dwelt excellently [together].

Although this Gamarala can ascertain the motive in the minds of others, he does not tell it at any time to anybody. One day, the Gamarala and his wife having gone to the cattle shed (gawa maduwa), while they were [there] an ass asked a bull that having ploughed from morning was brought and tied [there], "Friend, is that work very difficult?" The friend to that remark says, "At present I have not strength to walk," he said.

The Gamarala having understood that talk laughed. His wife teased him much and asked the reason why he laughed. Because of the woman's plaguing him the Gamarala said, "I laughed because this bull grinned at the cow."