plumb-line.] The line with a lead weight.
plumbing.] To plumb is to get to the bottom of a piece of water. Here Phatik is pictured as himself going deeper and deeper into the sea of death, which none can fathom.
the holidays.] The Bengali word for “ holiday ” means also “ release.” It is as though he were saying, “ My release has come.” This cannot be represented in the English.
III.— ONCE THERE WAS A KING
In this story Rabindranath Tagore begins with some amusing sentences about the dull, matter of fact character of modern scientific people, who cannot enjoy a fairy story without asking “ Is it true? ” The Poet implies that there are deeper truths than modern science has yet discovered. The ending of the present story will show this more clearly.
sovereign truth.] There is a play upon the word “ sovereign ” which can mean “ kingly ” and also “ supreme.”
exacting.] There is further play here with the words “ exact ” and “ exacting.” “ Exact ” means precise and “ exacting ” means making others precise.
legendary haze.] The ancient legends are very obscure, just like an object seen through a mist.
knowledge.] Mere book knowledge,— knowledge of outside things.
truth.] Inner truth such as comes from the heart of man and cannot be reasoned or disputed.
half past seven.] The time when his tutor was due.
no other need.] As if God would continue the rain merely to keep his tutor away!
If not.] Though it might not have been caused by his prayers, still for some reason the rain did continue.
nor did my teacher.] Supply the words “ give up.”
