________________ -30 Siri Sirivalakaha time when Mayana: accepted the hand of the leper." : (152) The king said: " Oh, oh! I know the auspiciousness ( lit. the secret meaning ) of that time (which was so auspicious (i.e. inauspicious), that at that time, she married not to a prince, but to a leper). But now I shall get this daughter of mine married (to a good husband)." (153) : Then at the command of the king, the marriage ceremony (of Surasundari) was begun, by the ministers who wore greatly delighted, - the marriage ceremony for which (all) the preparations were made, in a very short time. (154) Of what type was that (marriage ceremony)? The flags were fixed on the raised up arches, there was a profound sound of the drums that were beaten, there was a multitude of attracting harlots that were dancing, (and) the good panegyrists were uttering the words *** be victorious, be victorious !' (155) . The assembly-hall (erected for the marriage ceremony), was covered ( on four s des ), and floored with silk-cloth; food (i.e, sweets and dainties etc.), and (after the meals) betel-leaves flavoured with camphor, were distributed in -abundance; the collection of young women,
