Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 2 1884.djvu/84

73 So they asked him, "Where are you going?" Rafàralàhy replied, "I am in trouble, so I am beseeching the Creator to give me wealth." So they said, "Yes, that is right, for God is the helper of all, who are in adversity; but this is our advice to you: If you meet with a deceiver, do not speak; and should you chance upon an evil person, do not reply (or revenge). And if you come across a harmful man (lit. 'killer'), steadfastly resist. And not only so, for there with God is a road both famous and wide and good, but the stranger and the passer-by wander about and are confounded, and there are many fierce dogs and ravenous beasts, which know the natives of the place and understand the strangers. But this is what you must do when the dogs bark, do not turn round, but go straight on; and when the wild beasts roar, do not turn back, but keep in the road. And also there is an old hag lying across the doorway and stopping it up, and those who enter she prevents, she at the same time neither going in or coming out; so when you see her, do not salute her, but go straight on your way; but still, do not step over her, for her knee will shrink up easily, although you say nothing. Upon that enter immediately, and say, 'Allow me, I pray you, my lady. So Rafàralàhy agreed to all that as being good advice.

On his arrival at the place, he acted accordingly; and the old woman's knee shrivelled up, she at the same time saying, "Proceed, child." And when Rafàralàhy had entered, God said, "Come forward, then!" bidding him to come on to the clean mat. But he would not sit down on the clean part, but away south of the hearth, in the place of the God's servants, he sat down. Then God said to his servants, "Bring to Rafàralàhy what is well cooked, and set apart the underdone." So they brought the rice in a silver dish, but again he would not eat, for it was God's dish, but ate together with the servants. And when he had eaten, God said, "What is it troubles and distresses you, that you have come here to me, Rafàralàhy?" He replied, "To ask for wealth, my lord; for my father has treated me unfairly." So he related to him the story of his father's commands as to his property. Then God said, "Sleep here meanwhile, for it is evening." So Rafàralàhy slept there.

And when it was morning, God said again, "Now Andriampàrany, take which you like: Tsipìtipìty (a plant) or money?" So Rafàralàhy said, "I choose the plant." Then said God, "Ah, you consider the end of things, Andriampàrany, so here are some young trees for you