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A PRIEST AND A PERSON WHO WISHES TO MAKE AN OFFERING.
Your father is dead. What sort of a shraddha can you perform?
Sir, I have a great name, but no ability: on which account this is a bad time with me.
True, the loss of relations always happens in a bad time: what can be worse than that?
Hear me, Sir: What can I do in this matter, the extent of my ability is not unknown to you.
True, I am well acquainted with your concerns and property, but what difference does that make? Your name is spread through the air and the lower regions. If you can't accomplish this work properly, it will be a disgrace.
That's true, Sir. Do you examine my property, and make out an estimate of the expence.
There Is no difficulty in making an estimate. It cannot be done as it ought under a thousand rupees, more or less.
That's true. If I invite all the country, it will not be short of a thousand rupees.
What then? don't you intend to invite all the country?
What is my intending or not intending: this is the business of money. It will not be done by talking only.
That's true. Then what will you do? Some expedient must be thought of.
Attend. I tell you the country cannot be entertained under a thousand rupees: but then I think the business may be completed by inviting the principal people. I do not know indeed whether I can do that now.
