“The black kapa will soon cover me. Listen, Iwikauikaua! Early in life it was in our hearts to be the husband and wife of each other. It was the fault of neither that we were denied that hope. It was not my fault that you left Hawaii. It was not your fault that I grieved when you went to other lands. But you have returned at last. The gods have directed you back to Hawaii. They will give to me in death what they refused to my youth. In Keakamahana I will be your wife!”
She paused for a moment, her listeners bending over her in silence, and then continued:
“Take him as your husband, Keakamahana. He is the gift of your mother. He is brave and noble, and you will need his counsel when I am gone.”
Overcome by these words of affection, the chief knelt beside the couch, and the eyes of Keakamahana were filled with tears.
“Do you promise?” inquired the mother.
“I promise,” replied the queen, giving her hand to the kneeling chief.
“I promise,” repeated Iwikauikaua, as he clasped and kissed the proffered pledge.
“I am content,” returned the sufferer, as a smile of happiness lighted up her face.
The attendants were recalled, wondering what had occurred, and Iwikauikaua, almost bewildered, took his leave.
Tradition plainly recites the brief remainder of the career of this distinguished chief. Kealiiokalani died a few days after the strange betrothal just noted, and Iwikauikaua became the husband of Queen Keakamahana, thus romantically fulfilling the aspiration and prophecy of his youth.