Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/313



NCE upon a time a girl named Rafàravàvimànombàna was taken for a wife, but she was unwilling; and people continually endeavoured to obtain her for a wife, but she still refused. And after some time, there came a man named Rafàtidràmbìby to seek her in marriage, and on his arrival he asked for her in the customary manner in such cases. But still the girl utterly refused, shaking her head and saying evil words. And so Rafàtidràmbìby having endeavoured without success to obtain a wife, went and sought the animals with which he had made a blood covenant, and made an appointment to meet two fierce animals. And when he came near their abode he called out in the form of a song thus:—

And when these fierce creatures heard that, they came to meet Rafàtindràmbìby. As soon as they approached, he said, "This, comrades, is the reason of my coming here to you, for ye are relatives and one with me, and have agreed to share the difficult and the bitter with me. There is a certain person holds me in great contempt, and bears herself very haughtily, as if she were far above me; and that is not to be endured, comrades, for she tosses her head as if I was not good enough for her. So, friends, give me your opinion and advice as to how I may kill this wicked woman. For look, friends, I have