Her father did not like her to speak in that way; nevertheless, he did not forbid her.
When men began to come to the father and say, “I desire your daughter Ilâmbe for a wife,” he would say, “Go, and ask herself.” Then when the man went to Ilâmbe’s house, and would say, “I have come to ask you in marriage,” her only reply was a question, “Have you a clear skin, and no blotches on your body?” If he answered, “Yes,” Ilâmbe would say, “But, I must see for myself; come into my room.” There she required the man to take off all his clothing. And if, on examination, she saw the slightest pimple or scar, she would point toward it, and say, “That! I do not want you.” Then perhaps he would begin to plead, “All my skin is right, except—.” But she would interrupt him, “No! for even that little mark I do not want you.”
So it went on with all who came, she finding fault with even a small pimple or scar. And all suitors were rejected. The news spread abroad that Ra-Mborakinda had a beautiful daughter, but that no one was able to obtain her, because of what she said about diseases of the skin.
Still, many tried to obtain her. Even animals changed themselves to human form, and sought her, in vain.
At last, Leopard said, “Ah! this beautiful woman! I hear about her beauty, and that no one is able to get her. I think I better take my turn, and try. But, first I will go to Ra-Marânge.” He went to that magic-doctor, and told his story about Ra-Mborakinda’s fine daughter, and how no man could get her because of her fastidiousness about skins. Ra-Marânge told him, “I am too old. I do not now do those things about medicines. Go to Ogula-ya-mpazya-vazya.”
So, Leopard went to him. As usual, the sorcerer Ogula jumped into his fire; and coming out with power, directed Leopard to tell what he wanted. So he told the whole story again, and asked how he should obtain the clean body of a man. The sorcerer prepared for him a great “medicine” by which to give him a human body, tall, graceful, strong and clean. Leopard then went back to his town, told his people his plans, and prepared their bodies also for a change if needed. Having taken also a human name, Ogula, he then went to Ra-Mborakinda, saying, “I wish your daughter Ilâmbe for wife.”
On his arrival, at Ra-Mborakinda’s, the people admired the stranger, and felt sure that Ilâmbe would accept this suitor, exclaiming, “This fine-looking man! his face! and his gait! and his body!” When he had made his request of Ra-Mborakinda, he was told, as usual, to go to Ilâmbe and see whether she would like him. When he went to her house, he looked so handsomely, that Ilâmbe was at once pleased with him. He told her, “I love you; and I come to marry you. You have refused many. I know the reason why, but I think you will be satisfied with me.” She replied, “I think you have heard from others the reason for which I refuse men. I will see whether you have what I want.” And she added, “Let us go into the room; and let me see your skin.”
They entered the room; and Ogula-Njĕgâ removed his fine clothing. Ilâmbe examined with close scrutiny from his head to his feet. She found not the slightest scratch or mark; his skin was like a babe’s. Then she said, “Yes! this is my man! truly! I love you, and will marry you!” She was so pleased with her acquisition, that she remained in the room enjoying again a minute examination of her husband’s beautiful skin. Then she went out, and ordered her servants to cook food, prepare water, etc., for him; and he did not go out of the house, nor have a longing to go back to his town, for he found that he was loved.
On the third day, he went to tell the father, Ra-Mborakinda, that he was ready to take his wife off to his town. Ra-Mborakinda consented. All that day, they prepared food for the marriage-feast. But, all the while that this man-beast, Ogula-Njĕgâ was there, Ra-Mborakinda, by his okove (a magic fetish) knew that some evil would come out of this marriage. However, as Ilâmbe had insisted on choosing her own way, he did not interfere.
After the marriage was over, and the feast eaten, Ra-Mborakinda called his daughter, and said, “Ilâmbe, mine, now you are going off on your journey.” She said, “Yes; for I love my husband.” The father asked, “Do you love him truly?” She answered “Yes.” Then he told her, “As you are married now, you need a present from me, as your ozendo (bridal gift).” So, he gave her a few presents, and told her, “Go to that house,” indicating a certain house in the town; and he gave her the key of the house, and told her to go and open the door. That was the house where he kept all his charms for war, and fetishes of all kinds. He told her, “When you go in, you will see two Kabala, standing side by side. The one that will look a little dull, with its eyes directed to the ground, take it; and leave the brighter looking one. When you are coming with it, you will see that it walks a little lame. Nevertheless, take it.” She objected, “But, father, why do you not give me the finer one, and not the weak one?” But he said, “No!” and made a knowing smile, as he repeated, “Go, and take the one I tell you.” He had reason for giving this one. The finer-looking one had only fine looks; but this other one would some day save her by its intelligence.