The Kabaragoyā and the Widow
H. (Henry) Parker translation
After much time went by, the Kabaragoyā being like a son told the widow woman to find and give him a woman (wife).
At that time, “Son, look at the manner of our house; besides that, to a Kabaragoyā who will give a Kabaragoyi (female Kabaragoyā)?” the widow asked.
And the Kabaragoyā having heard that speech, that very day night entreated that his house should be like a royal palace. On the following day morning, at the time when he looked the house was particoloured (wisituruwa) like a royal palace.
The Kabaragoyā that day also told her to seek and give him a woman. And the widow after that went to seek a woman in marriage for the Kabaragoyā.
There were seven Princesses of the King of that country who had come of age. The widow having gone near (karā) the King (raju), when she told him the matter he told her to take a person who was willing. And the widow having gone near the royal daughters, asked, “There is an only Kabaragoyā of mine; is anyone willing to be married to it?”
Six out of the seven royal daughters having said, “Are we also female Kabaragoyās to go with Kabaragoyās?” scolded and struck her; the young royal Princess who was the last, said, “Mother, I will go.”
At that time having come summoning the royal Princess, she married and gave her to the Kabaragoyā.
After that, this Prince, wearing royal ornaments, remained in the appearance of a Prince.
Ūva Province.
In Kaffir Folk-Tales (Theal), p. 38, a girl chose a crocodile as her husband. When at his request she licked his face he cast off the crocodile skin, and became a man. In a note (p. 209) the author states that he had been bewitched by his enemies.