Bangoma and Bangami, talking to each other in human language.
Bangami said, "The blindness of our young ones is a great calamity; but now is the time when their eyes should be opened. One of the men there, named Lalkamal, has the power of restoring sight to them by his mere touch. The men are on a very perilous journey, and we must help them as much as we can." At dawn Bangami flew down to the princes with her offspring, and Lalkamal touched them and they were healed. Then their mother said, "Oh, princes, we know you and your mission. Take these fried peas in your pockets, and mount on the backs of my young ones, who will carry you to your destination and back to your own country. The peas you will put into your mouth on the sly, when required by the giants whom you are going to visit to chew iron pellets as the proof of your being the sons of the Rakkhashi who passes as your father's queen."
The princes were then borne away to the country of the Rakkhashis, a number of whom quickly flocked around them, crying out:—
"Whoung, moung, khoung[1]
Monisshee gondo paung.
Dhoreh, Dhoreh khaung."
This, of course, was said at the sight of Neelkamal, whom they recognized as a man. Lalkamal, knowing that his brother was in danger, stepped forth and said, "Grandmother, we are your grandsons come to visit you." At this the old Rakkhashi whom they addressed said, "If that is so let me test you. Cut these iron pellets with your teeth, and then I shall acknowledge your claims to kinship." So saying, she put the pellets into the hands of the brothers, who dexterously substituting for them the fried peas they had brought, chewed them up. Thus not only were they freed from danger, but
- ↑ These are the words that Rakkhashis are supposed to use when a human prey is near them, meaning, "Hurrah, we scent human flesh, and we will eat it."
