The first suitor, a small nervous man with fidgeting hands and wirey hair, stood up and said his name was Sabarbally, which in their tongue meant he was stubborn and impatient.
“Hmm,” said Lumbe Kula Keebaa. “What an interesting name! I have just the daughter for you,” and he called up his eldest daughter. “Here is your wife, Nemesa. For someone who does not have patience will always have regret.” (Which, of course, the name Nemesa was known to mean.) Lumbe Kula Kebba then motioned to the next suitor. He was a tall, muscular giant, with arms that could crush a goat’s head and an ego that matched. He thought himself bigger than the world, and so carried the name Waarata, which meant big. “O, I have just the daughter for you!” cried Lumbe Kula Keebaa without a second thought. “You strive to put everyone beneath you, but you will never find happiness that way. So here is your wife, Filije. “You’ll find her true to her name—she will never be impressed, by you, or anything else. Learn from her, and find happiness.” The old man then motioned for the third and final suitor. He was an average man, both in stature and appearance. His face showed little emotion and his hands rested calmly on his knees. “And you, what is your name?” asked Lumbe Kula Keebaa. “I am Sabarlaa.” “Now that is a nice name,” replied the father. “But are you true to it?” “I am as patient as our Mother the Earth. If you have a difficult problem, I will, with time, make it easy.” At this, the wise old man smiled and said, “O, if that were only true! For you, I offer my most treasured daughter: the beautiful Sutura. May you have the patience to unlock her many, many secrets!” So the young men thanked their wise elder and left with their new wives. Lumbe Kula Keebaa fell back into his chair, laughed heartily, and then retired to his room till tomorrow’s yesterday morning. |