Connecticut western news., 1892-03-17

0hdAucu, Stiu AiuS hhLuDud, Oc assured No harm shall befall you. Yet it has come to our ears that in Vanua Leyu 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 Levu 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 shall lead my son home with you to be your slave as a reparatiOn for the wrong done you. This l swear to you. and he shall compete with you in the tests. v g Whereat the princess cried out. .He is ignorant what they are to be" said the king. 'Tis fair match. Be hold. he Is as much surprised as you are." f--.-
 And riff loser said Ekesa. aar.s
 "You shall marry him, said the king.
 Then the king said. Princess. are you ready for the first test?"
 "But." said Ekes;l. have not yet ac- cepted your conditions "Ratu Tanito." said the king. 'behold your wifel''
 "Nayr' cried the princess. Il am in your power. Propose to me your tests and let yonr son prepare for 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. Mot all the men in the world could declare of which of these two eggs should be born male turtle and which female.
 But Rata Tanito stepped forward quickly and took the eggs into his hand and crushed them. "Of neither" he said. z...
 Then Katubua said, Maiden. though in truth the question seems idle, yet the youth is right. for man must know when to act ,'ssses-
 Next there were brought forth two bowls. each covered with q mat of woven grass. And Katubua said: ''This is the second test. Of these two bowls choose that which IS full of water.
 Ekesa trelnbled. but quickly stretched ont 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, Not so: for who should say that both bowls are not emptyy"
 Then the king drew away the mats of woven grass and both bowls were empty. Maiden" said Katubua. the youth is right. for man should know when to speak"
 Then Ekesa bit her lip and said, .You juggle with me-"
 Yet" said Katubua, ''the youth has detected our jugglery. But here is the third test and perhaps you will still win him for d slave. Which loves a child better his father or she who bore himY'
 Ekesa eyes flashed and she drew her self up. "Of truth. she who bore him." she cried.
 Ratu Tanito turned and looked upon the girl. and slowly there came into his flashing eyes a tender light, but he did not speak.
 At this Ekesa called to the king. "Tui Viti, he does not speak!' And he is right" said the king. For x man should know when to be silent" Then Ekesa stamped her foot and cried aloud in bitterness: = Tt was a trap! You have warned him what answers he should make and have plotted between you to shame mel Shame rather on you. Tui Katubuar' Ratu Tanito strode to her side and caught her by the wrist and said: "Go back to your people. l will none | of you. You have dishonored my father Go back to your people. Make q way there for the princess" he shouted to the l crowd. Make u canoe ready and set , her on the shores of Vanua Levu." But Ekesas eyes fell and she did not move; only stood in her place trembling Then Katubua said. "Ekesa. my daugh- ter. the Philosopher Raveniza has asked When should a woman disobey her hus | bandr
 And Ekesa lifted her fearful eyes and answered. Never, oh. my father, save | when he bids her leave him." And of the union of Ekesa and Ratu | Tanito was born the great King Ratu l Cakau. whom men called the Seat of | Justice, and also Tunivalu. the Root of