(89)
Ha, ha, ha, truly, truly. 'Tis the time of your father's shraddha. I have looked at the almanack. It will be on the thirteenth of the increase of the moon (bright side).
As you order. I will get things ready.
Yes, go Sir. This time it must be done in a rather respectable manner. The cloth which you give for the shraddha must be pretty good this time. If it is not, I will not take it.
Sir, nobody wishes to act otherwise than you say if he can act according to it. If I do it, 'tis my own work [holiness].
Go. If you don't do it, who should? You are his son. If he had lived, you must have provided food and clothing for him. Be at half that expence, then all will be well.
True, Sir. What you say is true; but at this time I am very low. I have a great deal of trouble; great expence, and no income. You also see my brothers, how properly they act. They can only eat and sleep. They have no other quality.
That's true. Go. You must do your own business. Do what you can.
Be so good as to make out an estimate of what will be required for the shraddha.
Well, I will make an estimate. Say how many brahmuns you will entertain? The business must be done the day after to-morrow. Let the brahmuns be invited before that time.
Yes. Entertaining brahmuns is the root of all. You will invite fifty. I have made provision for fifty persons.
A LANDLORD AND HIS TENANT.
How is the settling and cultivation of this purguna?
