Читать книгу Indonesian Children's Favorite Stories - Joan Suyenaga - Страница 10

The Woodcarver’s True Love

King Simbau, the king of the island of Simbau in the Sulawesi Sea, had a beautiful daughter. Her name was Sangiang Mapaele. The princess was not only beautiful, but she was also wise and kind.

Three princes from neighboring islands had proposed marriage to her. Many rich merchants also wished to marry the princess.

Her father, the king, was confused. Who should be his daughter’s husband? The king wanted to choose the best husband for his daughter. But how would he do this? He decided he would choose whoever loved the princess the most.

King Simbau then announced a contest. Whoever—nobleman or commoner—presented Princess Sangiang Mapaele with the most valuable gift as a sign of his love, would marry the princess. The announcement of the contest was spread far and wide throughout the island and the neighboring islands as well. Commoners did not dare to enter the contest. Who amongst them had anything of value for the king’s daughter? But Takatuliang, a poor woodsman, decided to try. For many years he had harbored a love for the princess deep in his heart. Now was his chance to express the love that had remained hidden for so long.

Takatuliang thought very long and hard. Finally, he went far into the forest. There, he chose a tree of the finest grain and cut it down. For days he labored without tiring, not even going home at night.

After several days, his elderly mother went in search of him in the forest. When she found him hunched over this work, she wiped the sweat from her son’s brow and asked, “Takatuliang, Takatuliang, what are you doing in this forest that is so important that you forgot to come home?”

Takatuliang answered, “I am working, Mother, for the king’s daughter.”

The next day, his mother returned to the forest and again asked, “Takatuliang, Takatuliang, what are you doing that is more important than returning home?”

Takatuliang answered, “I am working, Mother, to prove my love.”

His mother was shocked to hear this. Now she knew that he intended to propose marriage to the princess. Her heart ached.

“Takatuliang, oh Takatuliang, child of my heart! Come to your senses, my son. All you have is the skin on your bones!”

Takatuliang said, “That is why I am working. I am creating proof of my true love.”

The next day, his mother returned again. She watched her son as he bent over the piece of wood, shaping it carefully. His face was calm and focused on his work. Pearls of sweat formed on his forehead. Again, she spoke to him gently. “Takatuliang, you are breaking my heart. You are not in your right mind. Stop dreaming. You cannot win the princess. Your rank is so low, and hers is so high. Surely, you will be scorned.”

Takatuliang answered again, “Oh, Mother, suffering is only for those who do not exert any effort, for those who deny their God-given gifts. I have energy. I have talent. I have dreams.

And I have a love that can even change the fate of a man.”