Chapter 4 - Indian Literature in the Philippines

-273- death. Another purpot ed letter, but not a warrant, causes the death of the instigator himself. Thus, it may be seen here an entirely different tale plot arrangements, but still possessing the nature of the motif. However, the ornamental aspect of the letter element in this tale may be evident. The Tomarind tale, although it does not show any re- semblance with the metrical romance, may have anticipated the latter in regard to the letter element. The antiquity of the tale may be ascertained from the use of the title datu, and therefore, may show very close affinity with the Balinese and Javanese tales. The tale may be the deciding factor in dismissing all difficulties that may arise in re- gard to the inclusion of the metrical romance in the pre- sent thesis. 66 4.7. Fish Swallows Man. Parallels of this element
in both the Indian and Phil. literatures are differentiated
by the crudeness and primitivity of the latter in compari-
son with the refinement of the former in the weaving of
events in the stories. Nevertheless, an analysis of the
parallel elements is intended to be made after the extracts
er synopsis of the pieces has been presented. A locus elas-
66 The metrical romance is included to show how fo
late the death-letter element has caught up with modern
verse narratives.