Page 57 - Real English 2024 Book 8

EVERYTHING FOR THE BEST

customary dancing, the final sacrificial preparation began with the
smearing of red and yellow powder over the victim’s forehead,
feet and hands. However, it was during the anointing of the body
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that the old priest noticed that something was amiss. One of the
fingers on the king’s left hand was missing. He shook his head and
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said in his sonorous voice, ‘I’m sorry, Your Royal Highness. We The deity will accept
cannot proceed with the sacrifice. The deity will accept only those only those who are

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who are whole-bodied. The body should not have any blemishes. whole-bodied.
The prisoner’s body is imperfect and it is not fit for offering to the
deity.’
The tribesmen fled in horror, for they had nearly presented an
imperfect sacrifice and feared the wrath of the goddess.
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As the king hobbled away, as fast as his legs could carry him, he
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18.
realized that the loss of his finger had indeed been for the best. But smearing or applying an
what of not having his minister’s company at the time of danger? Was oily substance especially as
part of a religious ceremony
that for the best? having a loud or deep
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Yes, said Pratap Singh later, for if he had known of the king’s sound
peril, he would have come to the king’s aid and been overcome by defects; flaws
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the numerous tribesmen, thus serving as a substitute victim. So anger
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everything was for the best, after all. walked lamely
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