Page:Tales of the Sun.djvu/264



In the Karnâta dêśa there reigned a famous king named Châmunḍa, who was served by an household priest, named GundappaGunḍappa [sic], well versed in all the rituals at which he officiated.

Châmunḍa, one day, while chewing betel-leaves, thus addressed GundappaGunḍappa [sic], 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 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.”