Preface To The First Edition

The favourable reception of my first Tamil Novel « Prathapa Mudaliar" has encouraged me to write and publish this second novel, which, although not as large as the former, contains a sufficient variety of scenes and incidents to exhibit human nature in its various phases and to illustrate different principles of morality. I have also taken occasion to touch upon Hygiene and to expose the Evils of some Social Customs, such as Early Marriages, etc. It is hoped that this work and the Appendix will be found useful at a time like the present, when the necessity of Imparting Moral Instruction to the Hindu Youths is universally acknowledged.

I refrain from saying more in this preface, bearing in mind the maxim, 'That Silence is sometimes Golden'. In acting on this maxim, I follow the example of a Turkish Preacher, who one day ascended the pulpit of the mosque, and thus addressed the congregation: “Oh true believers, do you know what I am going to say to you ?” “No," responded the congregation. “Well, then," said he, “there is no use of my speaking to you,” and he came down from the pulpit. He went to preach a second time, and asked the congregation, “Oh, true believers, do you know what I am going to say to you?" "We know," replied the audience. “Ah, as you know," said he quitting the pulpit, “why should I take the trouble of telling you?” When next he came to preach, the congregation resolved to try his powers; and when he asked his usual question, they replied, “Some of us know, and some of us do not know.” “Very well,” said he, "Let those who know tell those who do not know."

(Sd.) S. VEDANAYAKAM.