Page:Folk-lore of the Telugus.djvu/19



THE DEAF FRIEND.

In a certain village there lived a merchant who had a deaf friend. The latter learning that the former was ill, went to enquire after him, and while going along the road, determined to hold the following conversation with his sick friend; "After the usual greeting, I will first ask, 'well, Sir, how do you feel yourself to-day'? He will reply, 'better,' and I shall rejoin, 'very good.' I will then make enquiries about his diet, and he will reply 'rice without salt,' and I shall rejoin, 'may it do you much service.' I shall then put the question, 'pray, who is your doctor' ? He will, of course, tell me that such and such a person is his doctor and I may safely add, may Grod assist him in the fulfilment of his work.' "

At length, having come to a resolve, he reached the house, and after the usual greetings seated himself near the patient and said:—

"My friend, how are you"?