બોળો Bolo (A Folk Tale)

નાયકને રસ્તે બોળો નામનો ભોળો, સીધો-સાદો માણસ મળે છે.

The narrator is on a journey and on the way meets a plain, simple rustic named Bolo. At first sight Bolo seems innocent, guileless and a little slow to understand. Out of curiosity the narrator falls into talk with him.

બોળો દરેક પ્રશ્નનો સાવ સીધો, શબ્દશઃ જવાબ આપે છે.

Whatever the narrator asks, Bolo gives an utterly literal, plain answer. He does not grasp the inner meaning or any cleverness; he says exactly what is, just as it is. From these innocent replies humour arises.

બોળાનું ભોળપણ મૂર્ખતા નહીં, પણ સચ્ચાઈ ને નિર્મળ દિલ છે.

As the talk goes on, the narrator realises that Bolo's innocence is not foolishness but a pure heart and honesty. He cheats no one, tells no lie, knows no guile. In his very simplicity lies a kind of guileless wisdom.

બોળાની સચ્ચાઈ ને સીધું વર્તન જ આખરે સૌને જીતી લે છે.

At one point in the tale, Bolo's true and straight conduct itself wins everyone over. What clever people cannot do, Bolo's honesty does with ease. His innocence turns out to be his greatest strength.

ભોળપણ નબળાઈ નથી; સચ્ચાઈ ને નિર્મળ દિલ જ સાચું ઘરેણું.

The tale teaches that innocence is not weakness, and cleverness is not greatness. To speak the truth, to cheat no one and to keep a pure heart - that is a person's true ornament. In the easy, flavourful language of folk speech, Meghani sets down this moral naturally through dialogue.