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Scene IX
- LANGAA RPCIG
- Chapter
- Additional Information
61 Scene IX Bare stage A lamentation njang is produced from the back stage. Fointama is led to the centre from the left stage by three Nikang masquerades. His head is covered. His hands are tied to his back. Abembom comes in, He whispers in the ear of Bobe-Aboh Who affirms with a nod. Bobe-Aboh Wait a minute and unmask the criminal. [Fointama is unmasked.] Abembom Fointama, Great hunter of Kom, Is it the will of the gods That you end as such? I do not blame the gods for they have given us the ability to will, To think and to act. Fointama But the gods ordained it. That is why a slave must remain victim to his master. Bobe, if the gods are just May they reward you for fighting for me. Abembom I am a son of Kom Of the tree of the Ikue 62 The tree of the Fons of Kom Raised to enjoy the sweetness of justice. Fointama You are a stranger in this jungle. Your innocence as a lamb among tigers may put you in trouble. Abembom I have overcome fear and not even death will make me to forego the sweetness of justice. Fointama I am only a hunter. Abembom You are a man, created by Mbom; Guided by Ikeng, Iwayn, and by Ifoyini; The gods of Kom. But one thing I ask of you. [Pause] Let me hear your part of this story. It shall be told to future generations. Fointama To speak the truth, I was her royal princess’s guest on the day she was brutalized. Abembom [Surprised.] That means you had an affair with her? Fointama Not at all. But she wanted me to. On that fateful day, she sang to me her love songs. When I sensed she was getting hot like a bitch in heat, I broke loose from her and flew. I knew my place, I am a hunter. I knew she was for a prince. So my heart could not go for her. [52.207.218.95] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 22:08 GMT) 63 Abembom So she attacked you? Fointama She did not. I also cannot tell who attacked her for truly I saw no one enter her chamber after me. May be the gods did so as a means to call me to their bosom. I am glad to go. I will see my ancestors without fault; a pure man. That should be Fointama’s song in all of Kom. Bobe-Aboh [Listening to the discussion shakes his head in pity. Then in a weak voice] It is alright. We must do our job. Fointama I go as a hero. No one should lament for me. Lament for the land of Kom. [Exit Fointama and others] Abembom Oh Kom, what is happening to you? What is this disease that has attacked just the seedlings? It has attacked the Fons It has attacked the princes and princesses It has attacked the chiefs I am counting to leave who when the whole land is involved? My brothers and sisters, I ponder, And I have remained pondering. [He sings a dirge and exits] 64 ...