The Queen organized a feast for the animals, appointing Cow as hostess.
The first course came, and Cow distributed the food. “For you, Goat,” she said, and likewise Sheep, Dog, Cat, Pig, Rooster, and so on.
“What about me?” squeaked Fly.
Cow had forgotten about Fly. “Wait your turn!” she said angrily.
Cow served the second course; again, nothing for Fly.
“I’m hungry!” squeaked Fly.
But Cow didn’t listen, and Fly didn’t get any food.
After the feast, Fly complained to the Queen.
“From now on,” the Queen proclaimed, “Fly will nibble at Cow’s eyes; that will be his feast.”
[a story from southern Nigeria]
Inspired by: "Why the Flies Bother the Cows" in Folk stories from southern Nigeria, West Africa by Elphinstone Dayrell, 1910.
Notes: You can read the original story online. The story is told about "Adiaha Umo, Queen of Calabar."
No comments:
Post a Comment