“Agreed,” said the king, and at that time the Amildârship of Nañjaṅgôḍ happening to be vacant, his Majesty at once appointed his priest to the post, thinking that his priest, who was intelligent in his duties, would do well in the new post. Before he sent him off, however, he gave Gunḍappa three bits of advice:—
- (1). Mukha kappage irabêku.
- (2). Ellâru kevianna kachchi mâtan âḍu.
- (3). ellâr juṭṭu kayyalii irabêku.
The meaning of which is:
- (1). You should always keep a black (i. e. frowning) countenance.
- (2). When you speak about State affairs you should do it biting the ear (i. e. secretly—close to the ear).
- (3.). The locks of every one should be in your hand (i. e. you must use your influence and make every one subservient to you).
Gunḍappa heard these words so kindly given by the king, and the way in which he listened to them made his Majesty understand that he had taken them to heart. So with a smiling face the king gave the letter containing the appointment to Gunḍappa, who returned home with an elated heart.
He told his wife about the change that had come over his prospects, and wished to start at once to take charge of the new post. The king and his
