Author. — Hold there ! Who said so ? In fact, 1 have made very little use of it.
NArada. — Well. Have you ever heard of the Guru Parampara ? The Tengalai, fuller and more circum- stantial, and the Va^agalai, differing from it upon many an important point.
Author. — {with a pitying smile) Unfortunately that is my sheet-anchor, the Tengalai Parampara ; and my ‘Life’ is based upon it. And as for the other, I refer you to my notes to see if I have omitted any material point where they differ from or supplement one another.
NArada. — Ah ! Is it so ? What about the Pala Nadai Vilakkam ? (Aside) I am sure he has never heard of it.
Author. — Very much indebted am I to that valuable compilation for the clear light it throws on many a dark point.
NArada. — (aside)Q.x^t my luck ! (Aloud) May be you have had access to another rare book, Peria Tinimu^ Adaivu ?
Author. — Look here. Have done with your pin- pricks. I cannot offord to be fooling with you thus, at this unearthly hour of the night. Here is the list of the books I have used in my work. See if you can add anything to it. But mind, this excludes priceless oral information derived from traditional teachings that will never be soiled by printer’s ink.
NArada. — [with a look of blank despair') reads : —
1. The Guru Parampara, Tengalai (1880)
2. Do. Vadagalai.
3. Pala Nadai Vilakkam.
4. Peria Tirumudi Adaivu.
5. R&m&nujich&rya Divya Charitai.
6 . Virttft MAlai.
