290 J0UKNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. II., PaKT II. 



There is also another species of pun called suvala, or 

 "double-meaning verse," much esteemed by the Sinhalese. 

 It is to be found, though sparingly, in several of the best 

 authors. In the Kdvyasekare we find the following : — 



Free from many faults — 



1. ®(2>3de)#D *a*sf ....©d'q 



possessed of previous (ly obtained or done) merit (and) 

 intelligence, 



2. <sS5ca$§c3<5 ....esstf 



imbued with faith. 



3. q?@qe£ 



Woman, by reason of those qualities, is like "grammar."* 



4. &ts<q ^C^-^S 



This comparison is explained by the same stanza con- 

 veying different ideas, as follows : — 



It is by reason of (the following) properties that 



4. e)#) c£<©£@c33^ ... 



she is like the symbols of sound : 

 €)Z3q tzqQZ^^g 



that is to say — 



1. "Nat" and " varada" are produced by elision. f 



8c5q 8 #3 @>(33d 



2. The verb is the seventh section. J 



° The word here rendered " grammar" is in the Sinhalese a compound 

 term, which means the " symbols of sound " (sadalakunu) . 



f As <20£tf and ddq are produced by the elision or lopping of q&stsi 

 and gs)<5<£. so woman, according to the first translation, was shown to be 

 blameless, lopped of all her faults. 



I The verb which is the subject of the seventh section of the grammar 

 conveys an act, as in the agency which is indicated by previously done 

 or obtained merit. 



