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SANTAL FOLK-TALES,

their sons, sent them to their father. Coming into the presence of the raja they said, “Wherefore father are you sulking?” The raja replied, “If you plant flowers in my flower garden I shall be comforted, and shall leave my couch.” They said, “Ts it on this account you are distressed? We shall cause the garden to be filled with flowers in a short time.” On receiving this assurance the raja left his bed, and partook of food, and was refreshed. Lelha’s mother now appeared on the scene, and addressing the raja, said, “ Wherefore, raja are you sulky ?” He replied, “ Who told you I was sulky?’ She replied, “A shopkeeper gave me the information.” Then the raja got angry, and ordered her to leave, but she said, “If you do not tell me why you are sulking I will not depart, am nos I also your humble maidservant ? Unless you tell me, I will not go, I will die here rather than leave.” The raja relented, and related to her all the words of the Jugi. She then returned home.

Her son Lelha, entered the house soon after her arrival. He had been engaged in some field sports, and being wearied and hungry, said to his mother, “ Give me some cooked rice.” She was annoyed with him and said, “ Although the raja is ill, your first cry is for boiled rice.” Lelha on hearing this went to his father, and enquired what was wrong. But the raja flying into a rage scolded him, saying, “Go away Lelha. What do you want here? Never come near me again. Did not I build a house for your mother and you at the extreme end of the street, away from here ? Be off, or I shall beat you.” To which Lelha replied, “Oh! father raja, am not I also a son of yours ? Let me be foolish or otherwise, still, I am your son, and unless you inform me of what has grieved you, I shall die rather than leave this.” Then the raja told him also, He said, “It is because I do not see flowers in the garden.” “Oh!” said Lelha, “Is that what distresses you?” He then left.

The raja’s four elder sons caused all manner of flowering shrubs and trees to be planted in the garden, and in a short