Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 2 1884.djvu/169



NCE upon a time, 'tis said, Ravòrombé (that is, "Big-bird") arose and built a house in the midst of the water. And when she had finished the house she bought Ikétaka to be housekeeper. And after Ikétaka had remained long there, Ravòrombé went away to seek for prey; and, thus occupied, she swept up everything she saw belonging to men, and brought it to her dwelling. After some time she laid eggs and sat on them; and after sitting some time the eggs were hatched, and the young birds went off to fly; but one egg alone remained unhatched, so she thought it addled, and removed it, placing it in the cover of a basket. After she had forgotten where it was, Ikétaka said, "The addled egg is there in the basket, and we have forgotten to cook it." Ravòrombé replied, "Let it be until to-morrow, for this rice is all finished." So she stopped her. On the morrow they forgot it again; and the same on the following day. And after a little time longer she looked, and behold! it was hatched, and had produced a human creature! Then Ikétaka was astonished, and called to Ravòrombé, "Come quickly, for this egg is hatched, and has produced one of human kind!" So she came and looked, and saw that it was really so. Then she said, "This is my offspring; and her name shall be Ramàitsoanàla (that is, 'Green in the Forest'). But there is no one to give it suck; so I'll go and steal a cow for milking, that she may feed on milk." So she went and swept off a cow in milk, and got it for her child's sustenance; for she had no breasts, being a bird. Then she made a little box for the child and placed it there, bidding Ikétaka to mind it. Then she went away again seeking