Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1893-09-05

1
| il has come to our ears that in Vanua
Lew the women are the equal OF the
men, and as this seems a strange thing
to us, we have desired to see 1t tested
and especially to inquire whether the
women of Vanua Lew are the equals OF
the men in Viii Lew. 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 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 "'Tis fair match. Be
hold, he is as much surprised as you
are"
"And tiff loser said Ekesa.
"You shall marry him. said the king.
Then the king said, "Princess, are you
ready for the first testT
But" said Ekesa, II have not yet ac-
cepted your conditions"
"Ratu Tanito," said the king, "behold
your wife!"
"Nayl" cried the princess, II am in
your power. Propose to me your tests
and let your 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 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 q male turtle and which
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 a man must know
when to act"
Next there were brought forth two
bowls, each covered with u 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, 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, lyon
! 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 slave Which loves a child
better, his father or she who bore himY
Ekesas eyes flashed and she drew her.
self up. "Of n truth, she who bore
him." she cried.
Ratu Tanito turned and looked upon
the girl. and slowly there came into his
flashing eyes tender light, but no die
not speak.
At this Ekesa called to the king, "Tu
Viii, he does not speakw
I Aud ba 10 ri, rbt cai1 tho linn sE,,-
man should know when to be silent"
Then Ekesa stamped her foot and criet
aloud in bitterness:
at was trapl You have warned hin
what answers he should make and hav,
plotted between you to shame me
Shame rather ON you, TUT Katubua!'
Ratu Tanito strobe to her side ant
caught her by the wrist and said:
"Go back to your people. will nom
of you. You have dishonored my father
Go back to your people. Make wa,
there for the princess" he shouted to tn,
crowd. make canoe ready and Sc
her on the shores of Vanua Levu."
But Ekesa's eyes fell and she did no
move; only stood in her place trembling
Then Katubua said, "Ekesa. my daugh
ter, the Philosopher Raveniza has asked
When should woman disobey her hus
bandY"
And Ekesa lifted her fearful eyes an,
answered, Never, oh, my father, saw
when he bids her leave him."
And of the union of Ekesa and Rat
ranito was born the great King Rat
Cakau, whom men called the Seat @
Justice, and also Tunivalu, the Root G
War.-Chicago Globe.