Lesotho -- Social life and customs; Sotho (African people)
In the time of the great famine, when our fathers' fathers were young,
there lived across the mountains, many days' journey, a great chief, who
bore upon his breast the signs of the sun, the moon, and eleven stars.
Greatly was he beloved, and marvellous was his power. When all around
were starving, his people had plenty, and many journeyed to his village
to implore his protection. Amongst others came two young girls, the
daughters of one mother. Tall and lovely as a deep still river was the
elder, gentle and timid as the wild deer, and her they called Siloane
(the tear-drop.)
Of a different mould was her sister Mokete. Plump and round were her
limbs, bright as the stars her eyes, like running water was the music of
her voice, and she feared not man nor spirit. When the chief asked what
they could do to repay him for helping them in their need, Mokete
replied, "Lord, I can cook, I can grind corn, I can make 'leting,' I can
do all a woman's work."
Gravely the chief turned to Siloane--"And you," he asked, "what can you
do?"
"Alas, lord!" Siloane replied, "what can I say, seeing that my sister
has taken all words out of my mouth."
"It is enough," said the chief, "you shall be my wife. As for Mokete,
since she is so clever, let her be your servant."
Now the heart of Mokete burned with black hate against her sister, and
she vowed to humble her to the dust; but no one must see into her heart,
so with a smiling face she embraced Siloane.
The next day the marriage feast took place, amidst great rejoicing, and
continued for many days, as befitted the great Sun Chief. Many braves
came from far to dance at the feast, and to delight the people with
tales of the great deeds they had done in battle. Beautiful maidens were
there, but none so beautiful as Siloane. How happy she was, how beloved!
In the gladness of her heart she sang a song of praise to her
lord--"Great is the sun in the heavens, and great are the moon and
stars, but greater and more beautiful in the eyes of his handmaiden is
my lord. Upon his breast are the signs of his greatness, and by their
power I swear to love him with a love so strong, so true, that his son
shall be in his image, and shall bear upon his breast the same tokens of
the favour of the heavens."
Many moons came and went, and all was peace and joy in the hearts of the
Sun Chief and his bride; but Mokete smiled darkly in her heart, for the
time of her revenge approached. At length came the day, when Siloane
should fulfil her vow, when the son should be born. The chief ordered
that the child should be brought to him at once, that he might rejoice
in the fulfilment of Siloane's vow. In the dark hut the young mother lay
with great content, for had not Mokete assured her the child was his
father's image, and upon his breast were the signs of the sun, the moon,
and eleven stars?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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