1871.] Bihar Legends and Ballads. 147 
Before returning to Hardi, Lurik learns of the uncommon 
strength and prowess of the Rajah of Pal Piprf, and feels anxious 
to test the same. In spite of the remonstrances of Chanain, he 
marches to that place, followed by herself. Gigantic and fero¬ 
cious beasts are sent to encounter them, one of which is killed by a 
stone thrown by Chanain with the strength inspired by the re¬ 
mains of the three Larus which she had eaten. After much 
suffering and trouble, they succeed at last in their object, and 
return to Hardf. Here they pass twelve years. One night 
Lurik happens to hear a woman weep near his palace, and asks 
his mistress to enquire into the cause. As she goes out for the 
purpose, she is followed unseen by her lover. In reply to Clia- 
nain’s inquiries, the old woman says that her tears have been excit¬ 
ed by the meals she has been accumulating for three days in the 
vain expectation of her son’s return from a journey. Fearing that 
this story will make Lurik anxious to return home to his wife and 
mother, Chanain advises the woman to complain falsely of ill- 
treatment to account for her tears if questioned by Lurik on the 
subject, and on her return to the room, speaks to the same effect. 
But Lurik, who has overheard everything, accuses her of false¬ 
hood, and says that if three days’ absence of a son on duty can 
make a mother weep so much, his own mother and wife must 
have shed many tears during the twelve years of his self- 
imposed exile from home. This reflection works so powerfully on 
his mind, that he instantly departs for home, accompanied by his 
beautiful mistress, whose residence he fixes in the neighbourhood. 
Ill. The Ballad of Laikd. 
There is another local ballad which is as extensively sung in 
this and the neighbouring districts as that of Lurik. It evidently 
depicts the manners and customs of a later period when all settled 
forms of government having been overturned by the Muhammadan 
invasion, every wealthy man considered himself independent and 
carried on war against his neighbours for real or supposed 
injuries. The ballad runs as follows :— 
The heroine is the daughter of a Teli, or oilman, residing at 
