The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1892-03-11

Wv upb SullOulu yOuISCIl WIN you
chiefs. Imean you no harm, and indeed
have come here against my will beinl
brought prisoner by this youth, one o
your people. Set me free and chastis
him, and my father, Savenaka, viii
thank you and be your brother"
"It is my son, Ratu Tanito, who brings
you here" said Katubua.
"Are you Ratu Tanito? cried the
princess, turning to the young man
And she exclaimed with double force
"Then you are the great traitorl"
Maiden" said King Katubua, "be
assured, No harm shall befall you. Yet
1t has come to our ears that in VanuG
Lew the women are the equal of the
men, and as this seems strange thing
to us, we have desired to see it tested
| and especially to inquire Whether the
women Of Vanua Lew are the equals OF
| the men in Viii Levu For that reason
we have sent to bring you here, And
we will propose to you three tests
which, if you answer rightly and justly,
you shall depart home in safety and we
will offer you gifts: and, moreover, you
DIlStll lCttC H. HOll llOLIC WlOII va w NC
your slave as PREPARATION for the wrong
done you. This | swear to you, and he
shall compete with you in the tests"
Whereat the princess cried out.
''He is ignorant what they are to be, >
said the king. Its a fair match. Be-
mold, he is as much surprised as you
are"
4
"You shall marry him. said the king
Then the king said, Princess, are you
ready for the first test?"
But" said Ekesa, Il have not yet ac
cepted your conditions"
"Ratu Tanito," said the king, "behold
your wife!'
"NayH' cried the princess, II am in
your power. Propose to me your tests
and let your son prepare for a life of
slavery"
Katubua thereupon caused two tur-
ties eggs to be laid before the princess
and said: Maiden, of these two eggs
which will bring forth male turtle and
which a female? This is the first test
that we propose to you"
At this the princess crossed her arms
upon her breast and laughed scornfully
"This is test of folly, not of WISDOM"
she said. "Not all the men in the world
could declare of which of these two eggs
should be born male turtle and which
a female"
But Ratu Tanito stepped forward
quickly and took the eggs into his hand
and crushed them. 'Of neither" he
said
Then Katubua said, maiden, though
in truth the question seems idle, yet the
youth is right. for man must know
when to act.
Next there were brought forth two
bowls, each covered with mat Of woven
grass. And Katubua said: "This is the
second test. OF these two bowls choose
that which is full of water"
Ekesa trembled, but quickly stretched
out her hand and laid it on the nearest
bowl, saying, This is it,
Choose you, now," said the king to
Ratu Tanito
But Ratu Tanito crossed his arms
upon his breast and said, mot so; for
who should say that both bowls are not
empty"
Then the king drew away the mats OF
woven grass and both bowls were empty.
Maiden" said Katubua, "the youth is
right. for a man should know when to
speak.
Then Ekesa bit her lip and said, lyon
uggle with me.
Yet said Katubua, 1.-The youth has
detected our jugglery. But here is the
bird test and perhaps you will still win
liln for slave. Which loves a child
better. his father or she who bore him?"
Ekesa's eyes flashed and she drew her
elf up. "Of truth, she who bore
lin" she cried.
Ratu Tanito turned and looked upon
he girl, and slowly there came into his
flashing eyes tender light, but he did
lot speak.
AT this Ekesa called to the king, "Tm
Viii, he does not speakr
"And he is right" said the king For
man should know when to be silent"
Then Ekesa stamped her foot and cried
loud in bitterness:
1T was trap! You have warned him
What answers he should make and have
dotted between you to shame me!
hame rather on you, TUT Katubuar'
Ratu Tanito strobe to her side and
aught her by the wrist and said:
"Go back to your people. | will none
f you. You have dishonored my father.
10 back to your people. Make way
here for the princess. he shouted to the
rowd. Make canoe ready and set
er on the shores of Vanua Levu."
But Ekesa's eyes fell and she did not
move; only stood in her place trembling.
Then Katubua said "Ekesa. my daugh-
er, the Philosopher Raveniza has asked.
When should woman disobey her nus
andy"
And Ekesa lifted her fearful eyes and
answered. Never, oh, my father, save
then he bids her leave him.
And of the union of Ekesa and Ratu
anito was born tine great King Ratu
akau. whom men called the Seat of
ustice, ami also Tunivalu. the Root of