2 10 9363 https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/3e351471073cbee49ea59153e11a88a3.jpg 03f1796ae5a60f26d5a17dc2aedeb060 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 1365 Height 1939 Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Swahili Description An account of the resource Swahili literature images Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Swahili Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Muyaka: 19th Century Swahili Poetry Description An account of the resource The nineteenth century saw the rise of a written poetic tradition that moved toward the secular, with everyday issues of social and political interest captured in verse. Perhaps the most notable poet whose works exemplified this trend was Muyaka wa Mwinyi Haji (1776-1840) of Mombasa. He wrote on such everyday themes as love and infidelity, prosperity and drought, the sexual exploits of key figures of his time, and the everyday problems of Mombasans. Call Number: PL8704.A2 A33 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abdulaziz, Mohammed H. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Nairobi: Kenya Literature Bureau, 1979. Language A language of the resource Swahili, English 19th century poetry Muyaka Swahili Swahili Poetry https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/9d7f8d3f88fb3338979f61d007963e21.jpg ea39c10b653fb9168ca2f0d344a437c3 Omeka Image File The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files. Width 1424 Height 2178 Bit Depth 8 Channels 3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Swahili Description An account of the resource Swahili literature images Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Swahili Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Duniani kuna watu [In the world there are people] Description An account of the resource Set in Zanzibar in 1961, shortly before the revolution of 1964 that put an end to the wealth and privilege of the upper class. Written by a noted Zanzibari novelist whose family perished in the revolution. He later moved to Nairobi where he resumed his literary career. Call Number: PL8704 .A36 D8 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abdulla, Muhammed Said Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Dar es Salaam: East African Publishing House,1973. Language A language of the resource Swahili Abdulla Duniani In the world there are people Muhammed Said Swahili Swahilifiction Watu https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/fb6fe554bad636907cf965c43bc2c89b.jpg 177f20e21cff24692c884f4b98102e1d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource LibArt 2020 Subject The topic of the resource 2020 LibArt Exhibition images Description An account of the resource Student art submissions to the 2020 LibArt Exhibition Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Novid-19 Subject The topic of the resource LibArt 2020 Description An account of the resource Artist statement: NO-COVID -19, KU IS STILL THERE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abdulwahab Alalyani Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Held by creator Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPG Type The nature or genre of the resource Still image https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/85beec750a1a37663036ff158962660b.jpg dcfe6c6820cc820340833036ffba17fd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource LibArt 2020 Subject The topic of the resource 2020 LibArt Exhibition images Description An account of the resource Student art submissions to the 2020 LibArt Exhibition Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Up there, You Subject The topic of the resource LibArt 2020 Description An account of the resource Artist statement: study nature, love nature, stay close to nature, determined our view angle to the world Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abdulwahab Alalyani Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Held by creator Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPG Type The nature or genre of the resource Still image https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/0579658cf2479f4e995642e88099f1e4.pdf 6dff9c20c3ee547c6fdef6a8ecbbffec PDF Text Text HOW TO WRITE ANL) REPLY LETTERS FOR MARRIAGE, VIUL YOU MARRY ME? MARIA replied ''yes". ��HOW TO WRITE AN1) REPLY LETTERS FOR MARRIAGE, ENGAGEMENT LETTERS, L O V E LETTERS AND H 9 W TO KNOW A GIRL TO MARRY THE PUBLISHER �CONTENTS How to write good letters about marriage Important questions for men. H0.w to know a girl to marry. Questions for girls. No. 1. letter comes from Christopher lke to Maria Ngozi asking to marry her. No. 2. Maria replies. No. 3. Second letter from Christopher to Maria Ngozi about marriage. No, 4. Maria replies the second letter. No. 5. A letter from Edward Mark to Paulina Ifeorna. No. 6. Paulina replies Edward Mark. Table o Contents f CHAPTER 2 An impressive love letter written by John Ukete to Edina. CHAPTER 3 An immediate reply to Johnny's letter cmPTeR 4 My love letter to you Ifeyi. CHAPTER 5 Ifeyi replies Dandy's letter. CHAPTER 6 Paddy writes to Sabina. CHAPTER 7 Sabina replies Paddy's emotional letter. CHAPTER 8 Charlie writes a love letter to Lucy. �CONTENTS CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER 9 10 11 12 CHAPTER 13 14 CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 16 17 18 19 20 21 CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTEU CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER CHAPTER 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Lucy's comprehensive reply. My heart yearns for your love Felly. Felly replies critically, "Ike has my love letter" says Monica The letter. Ike replies heartly. A letter of engagement written by Nwokeoma to Patricia. Patricia heartly replies. Nwokeoma replies favourably. A promising letter for a visit. Patricia heartly replies. Ifeyinwa writes a 1ttl:er of engagement. A reply to Ifeyinwzis letter. P. P. 9tuchisirikwu writes an engagement letter to Miss Rose. Miss Rose replies. Otobo writes engagement letter to Anti. She replies the engagement letter. Nware writes a letter of engagement to Ben Ben's reply The charming love letter. The happy reply. The reply. Helen's engagement letter to Rich. Rich replies. Felly replies. �INTRODUCTION Ladies and gentlemen, for many years, 1 have been receiving uncounted letters from many people both men and women, together with boys and girls asking me to teach them how to write and reply letters for marriage, Engagement letters, Love letters and how to know a girl to marry. You will learn the styles and ways to write them when you read this handbook of knowledge. Read and answer questions for men and questions for girls. You cannot become a good letter writer if you don't study how to write letters. The letters are very interesting and reasonable, and the English very educative. Read and recomend to your friends one by one and they must never forget you. By J. ABIAKAM The Author �HOW TO WRITE .COOD...LCTTEHS.:ABOUT MARRIAGE They are:- (2) (I) Letters for marriage. i 3 ) Love letters. Engagement letters Let me start first with letters for marriage (a) A man can be disappointed by educated girls if he does not know how to write good letters for marriage From your letter s n int:'lligent girl will be able to tell the type of man you are and whcther to say yesor no. Brfortl you write such letter to a girl, she must be in somebody yo11 know c?r hive met so~nelime a train, on the way, in the market, in ths school, in the taxi etc. And she must know you as well. You cannot write to unknown girl asking for marriage. Many young men have been disappointed by some educated girls bxause they do not know how to write correct letters. When writing to a girl you want to. marry, do not tell her that you are very rich and that you have this and that. it is the work of' the girl' . i n question to find out your background before she can say yes o r no. ' Do not go to a girl whom you know that i s bein : married by another person and ask her to marry you because you are rich. You must look for another girl. If you have the money, there are many beautiful girls to marry. Ma~!y a!one cannot mtke you happy in you family love, children and long life is very important. �QUESTIONS FOR M I N Are you ready to marry? If not when will you d o so? What type of eirl will you marry, illitrate, passing six, cambridge holder, nurse o r teacher? Will you marry black o r yellow girl, tall o r short girl, beautiful o r ugly girl, fashionable o r timid girl? Do you get money to maintain a girl and live with her? Can you stand the sweet and bitterness of rr-arriage? From what t o w n will you chose a wife? Have you seen the girl you want to marry or are you on the journey to it. HOW T' KMQW A GIRL MARRY Refore you tell a girl that you want to marry her, you must make all reasonahle and necessary investigations about the girl and her family. If the investigations goes in her favour, then tell her openly that you want to marry her. In case she refuses, you can make more attempts by presenting to her your desire to be a good husband to her. If she still refuses, you can go with your best friend o r her relative to speak more. If all your attempts fail, leave her and find another girl. Do not beg a girl or force her to marry you because forced mhrriage can never last long. �QUESTIONS FOR GIRLS Are you married or are you not? Did any man promise to marry you, if so when? Wov are you sure that the man uill marry you and not to disappoint you? Do y ~ u think that the man has money to marry and carry the responsibilities of a husband? Do the mart love you as you love him? Do you know his work and his home town? Is he the type of man whom you can be proud of being your husband? Read the whole questions and know the answers by yourszlf. Thank you. 9 n e book says "Do not claim that you have good luck until you marry." You can begin your letter for marriage like this:My dear Paulina Honest Mary Humble Agnes Sociable Comfort Gentle Agnes or......................................................... or...................................................... or or ....................................................... or........................................................ No I letter comes from Christopher lke to Maria Ngozi asking to marry her. It reads: Christopher Ike, No. 1, Government Rd., Lagos-Nigeria. 6/6/65. �My dear Maria, I know this letter niay surprise you but I trust you will consider my request and do me a favour. Ever since we me in the train two weeks ago, 1 have never stopped to think of you. I have seen hundreds of girls in the town but you are the very one 1 love and want to marry too. Therefore do not disappoint me or refuse a true voice calling you - . for marriage; MY love for you is ireat and if we become husband and whe we shail make a happy hdme. 1 have mapy things to tell you durmg my next writing. I am putting my pen to rest for the night is coming. Never forget I love you and I want to marry you. Reply my letter and tell me' your opinion. Yours. Chr:stopher Ike. No. 2 Maria replies. Maria received the letter and after she has read it, she said to herself I d o not know whether Christoper means it, some men are very crazy when they sec beautiful girls. Anyway 1 shall reply this letter but I must never be very plain to him until he writes me the second time. Her 1e1:er reads Maria Ngozi, No. 244 Zik'g Avenue, Enugu-Nigeria. 12/6/65. Dear Christopher, Your letter dated 6/6/65 was received and I understood the contents very well. Such request is something I must make time and give due consideration belore giving you the answer. �I herefoffi:;I cannaL.say..Yes.or.,.No .now. since. it was not in agenda of thought. I shall likely give you my full answer some time not . . yet known. I am. Maria Ngozi. No. 3 second letter from Christopher to Maria Ngozi Christopher received the lettsr and read it. Let me hope she will agree, Christopher said,to himself. 1 know she must pretend because beautiful girls like to pretend when men go to marry them. I will write her very soon to know the answer. She is beautiful, 1 am handsome and I have money. Now reads his second letter to Maria which reads as follot*s Christopher Iki, No. 1. Government Rd., Lagos-Nigeria. 18/6/65. Gentle Maria, 1 am in receipt of your letter dated 12th June 1965. I vent through the letter but an not sure of the answer. I mean to marry you and must never disappoint you. If we become married, I will do everything to 'you as a good husband would do to his wife. Do not l-c confused by young men who may promise to marry you and never to those your girl friends who may advise you to disappomt the man. My love for you is great and my request comes from the kot om of my heart. My hope is on you. Come to me, stay with me and never forget me in your dreams of marriage. I beleive after reading this letter your answer will be on my favour. I beg to put down my pen and go to rest for the day. Yours Christopher. No. 4 Maria replies the second letter After few days this letter reached ~ a r i a . ' S h eread it and began to think of it. Seven days has passed and Maria was in deep thought. At last she concluded and agreed to marry 'Christopher. 9 �Maria Ngozi, No. 244. Zik's Avenue. My Dear Christopher, Your second letter came to my notice two days ago' For many days I have been in deep consideration ahour your request. Many are coming to marry me and some have even told my parents thinking they should get me through them. But for your sake I have disappointed them. From this day know me as your wife and you are my husband. Write me immediately ,and tell me when you will come to settle my parents. Yours,. Marla Ngozi. No. 5 A letter from Edward hark This is another letter from Edward Mark, a kigh Elementary Teacher in Government School, Lagos to Paulina Ifeoma who teaches in a Secondary School. The letter reads: Edward Mark, St. John's School, P. 9. Box 9. Lagos. 7/7/65. Honest Paulina. We have known ourselves for a long time and I believe you cannot disappoint me. Now 1 am writing to ask your hand in marriage. So far men and women are created to make choice and marry the one they like. 1 wish to marry you. �After reading this letter, .do, not neilect .me and never turn down my request. My qualification in education is certainly known to you the type of person 1 am 1s something you can tell better. If we get married, we will build a strong and happy home. I put down my pen to wait for your reply. I am, yours, Eduard Mark. NF. 6 Paulina replies Edward Mark The letter reached Paulina in three days time. After reading it, she refused to marry him. Read her reply: Paulina Ifeoma, Secondary School, Box 44, Ibadan, 14 -7-65. Dear Edward, Your letter was received and I am sorry to disappoint you in this question of marriage. I have for many years decided that I will not marry a teacher in Elementary School. To say this does not meau hatred on you, but my reasons are best known to me. You have known my educational qualification and 'at least you can know the type of man a lady with Inter B.A. Degree will marry. It is always good for a man to be more educated than his wife and never the wife to rule her husband. �Firstly I have to thank you very mucb for your noble idea and I am wishing you good luck to marry a good vife. I am, Pauliua. Chapter 2 An impressive love letter written by John Ukete to Edina. St. Agnes Girl's Secondary Modern Sch., Abor Ukwu, Zonal Enu. 4th Sept. 1964. Dear Edina, I am very happy to write you this letter. It is a pity we have not been able to see just as we had arranged previously. This must have been due to any reason best known to you. It appears you have forgotten your lover who loves you beyond the realm of human understanding. Why have you shown me this cold hand? Wave from me that I am for you and you are for me. I will measure your love for me by the way you remember in the form of paying me visits. I have not much more to add than to ask you to make a day to visit me so that we may have sit down discussions. I am, yours faithfully. Johnny. Chapter 3 The immediate repy to Johnny's letter. Akakata P. A.. Via Udeocha, Asha, 4th October 1964. Dear Johnny, I am evidently in receipt of your impressive letter. After persuing it thoroughly well, I came to know that you really love me. I have now decided to show equal love to you so that io reality, things might work out harmoniously. �Generally I judge you as a boy who is as true as his profile and )our reactions have proved you so. Thank you for your second invitation and 1 heartily promise that come what may 1 must endeavour to come just as I have promised previously, the formidable force of circumstances which made it very impossible for ire to honour my promise must not crop up again. Ohviously you are mine and I am y o m and it will be wrong for you to credit me as ii person showing cold hand to you. My love for you is wident and there is nothing to becloud the reality of it. So do not judge me wrongly next timc. Hoping to see you. I wish you to remember me to your circle of friends. I am, y o w lover, Eddy. Chapter 4 My love letter to you lfeyi Assumpta Grammar Sch. Ifor Ala, Kenuru, Kuru, 4th September 1964. Dear Ifeyi, Just as the morning dew feeds flowers s o does your presence feed my conscience. You are a mmning glory t o me and 1very much cherish this fact. You will never cease to be the food that feeds my amorous stomach. I know you have the same feeling for me. How d o you d o ? The day has comewhen you are to picture my heart and know what it has for you. You are not an infant and Tam prompted to say that you have reached the age of reasoning ''Amor Omnia Vinct" so the Romans say and Englishmen translate it thus "Love overcomes everything" 13 �He that is not very appreciative of this fact is doing himself more harm thats good for lift: would seen a perpetual toll if there were no love. For the mean time, I want you to note that I am your lover. Reply urgently. ' Your lover, Dandy. Chapter 5 lfey replies Dandy's letter. St. Michael's School, Alaocha, Ifedi P. A. Via Uke. Alu. 9th Sept. 1965. Dear Dandy, Thank you for your constructive letter and the thoughtful facts embeded in it. You may appreciate the fact that my love for you is shown through actions. Actims speak louder than words, so they say and I feel it is really the best way of showing love. Things are not really what they seem and I have it in mind's core that love, when excessively express verbally, will obviously lose its valour. Don't mind my actions sometimes because I often seem to b t indefferent to emotional love. Please you may continue to flood my eyes with love letters, mind with ioformation about the place where you live, and facts symbolising your true love for me. I seize this opportunity to congratulate you on your tremendous success in G. C . E. Examination though you never made any attempt to let me know of it. �Thanks, yours lovely, Ifehy. Chaprer 6 Paddy writes to Sabina. Our High School, Ife-Landah, Yaru Kura. Lagoon. 6th June 1963. My dear Sabby, This letter is a just expression of 'my sincere love in you. I have really looked around and you are the only girl who has captivated my interest and enthusiasm. I know you will equally be interested in me just as I am to you. You must have k n o w my person that very bright and sunny day we met at the Rex Cinema. I did a bold act by introducing myself to you and you so heartily appreciated it that you attractiveiy introduced yourself to me. Now it is opportune that 1 should wrlte you a letter to let you know that your name and bloomlng looks still linger in my humble heart. I must let you know too, that your possitive effort to reply me this letter will be immensely valued cherished. So, do anrl send me your pictures as tokens of your love. It is your dearest i n heart. Paddy. Chapter 7 Sabby replies Paddy's emotional letter. Aloyh School of Commerce, I Looky ' a b a ~ , Kafanshan, Kubu, 9th August 1963. Dear Paddy. I am duly in receipt your letter aod I very much thank you for your regard and remembrance. I had actually f o r g o t t e n your p e r s o n 15 �but the very mention of Rex Cinen~~.has.called stature the of the person writing.in.to me. Yeu see, I have been receiving series of letters about love making but I naturally hate any news about a boy and a girl being in love. I want to preserve my virginity and I think it an unpardonable disgrace to my parents rf if I should at any time tamper with it It does not nece.ssarily mean that I am going to be a Nun but the fact I want you to swallow properly is that I am not ready to soil my virginity unt I I am legitimately married. Really your letter, like any other one has touch the core of my heart but it isjust a ma1t:r of I can't help. I don't want to be a friend of any boy or man before engagement because men and boys always try to see that a girl satisfies their sexual urge betore they will agree to marriage but infact, I am not ready for that for it would be downgrading of the prestige of my family. If you had formed the wroug idea that I would yield to any of this immorality, you know that you have reasoned it a wrong d'rection. I beg to stop so far. Thanks yours faithfuly, Sabby. 16 �Chapter 8 Charlie writes a love letter to Lucy St. Ignatius Secondary Modern Sch., Abaka-Uku, Via Ala P. 0 , Kufu. My dearly beloved Lucy, It impresses me a lot to write 'you this letter. The motwe behind the brtting of this letter is to let you know that I have much interest in you and have a decided inclination to ask you to be my lover. You may say that my attitude to you the other time did not seem or become a person who would one day ask you to become his close bosom friend. Yes. this is true if you have formed that idea. Now I would let you know that naturally I do not like to be' friend grrls solely on accocn: of their beauty, for blanty is only but a skin deep. I am befriending you just because I have not s.en you parading our town with your boy friends. Sincerely speaking, I must not at any time inake any immoral attempt to destory your virginity. To be candid, I only intend to come into closer contact with you so that I may decide on marriage. You will do me a lot of good by replying promptly. Yours well wisher, Charlie De Bright. Lucy's comprehensive reply. Umekanachi Clan School, Uke, Via A kwa P. A. Olugbo. 4-9-64. �My dear Charlie, You are really a h naturally as good as your looks. Your love letter has just come under grip. I have read it comprebensively. You see. I would suggest that your letter should be called genuine letter of engagement instead of the anaymous love letter. I really know that you are not like other boys who only go about their dirty job of demoralising on demoralisable girls. Thank your star for I have readily consented to your request and there is the solid hope that God vill mecifully bless our marriage. Thanks. Yours Lucy. Chuprer 10 My heart yearns for your love Felly. St. Ive's Secondary Grammar School Yabuka P. A., Via Alaku, Oshy. Dear Felly, Your ever sighting eyes have so much occupied my heart that I am really in dire need of your presence. When I say that I have every intention to see you, I do mean that it will not pay me to be writing letters and iadulging in day dreaming. Really you may not know that degree of my love for you but I feel that it is qu4e useless for me to contiuue to express it. So you do and come so that possibly, we may sit down comfnrtably ad discuss the matter you brought forward in your previous letter. Hearty thanks. Yours lovelessing. �Chapter I I Fdly replies .critically Ife Grammar School, Akwagu P. A., Ife Alor, 6-- 10-64. Dear lovelessy, Yes, I got your letter yesterday. I am very thankful for it. Now I would remind you that you have erred by claiming to [ w e . me beyond the bosom of this world. Is it true that a boy should love a girl in such a way?. Frankly speaking, you only want me to give myself freely to you as if you were to be my husband. 1 emphatically say no and from this moment, I am not going to reply any letter which is not genuinely written. I thank you very much. I am, your lover to be Felly. Chopter 12 9 k e has my love letter" says Monica. The letter. St. Ives Grammar School, Ikauku Venula House, Ika. Dear Ike, It is greetings from the one you very much love but could not express it verbally. I now make it evidently open to you that whatever happens, I am ready to be your lover and if possible to marry you. �Declare your own intenkon as soon as you gel this letter. I want to let you know beforehand that our love should not be virginally soiled. Thanks. It is, Monica. Chapter 13 Ike replies heartily Ubulu-lke School of Commence, Box 503, Abor. Dear Monica. I heartily rcceived your meaningful and indeed candid lettter. I intended writing you the same letter not knowing that the same genuine sense of love making is in your mind. I know really that you are welLbrought up and so our love should not be like that of some moral-never-do wells in our society. I thank you for taking the first plung, :I am, your heartiest lover, Ikey. �HOW TO WRITE BEST ENGAGEMENT LETTERS Question. What is ap engagement? An engagement in this respect is a strong promise made by a man and a woman who agree to become husband and wife some time to come. Answer: Question: When writing an engagement letters or agreement what rules must people observe? Answer: It is always good and advisable to state condition when writing For Example, if you slgn an agreement with a wise and intellgent girl o r lady and by mistake she became pregnated by another person and because of the inc~dent you refuse to marry her, the girl can sus yoe to court of law to claim her right because you did uot state cond~tions the engagement agreein ment which you signed. She can even say that you are responsible for her pregnancy and you cannot deny it. In the other hand man can also sue his girl to court if she happens to dis appoint him in such a way that is not permissible the teams of their engagement agreement. Girls do not be deceived by men who cannot fufil their promise. AND Men do not be disappointed by girls who cannot keep to their letter, Examples of how to write engagement letters No. I Letter comes from Edwin Mark, a finalist io Kings College, Onitsha to Esther Johnson, a class three student i n Queen's College Port Hsrcourt. �Edwin.Mark, Kings College, P.O. Box 24, Onitsha. 1--8-65. Gentle Esther, I have the pleasure to write you, how are you. As I am a finalist this year and you are a class three student, I want to engage you. So that we shall become hcsband and wife immediately you finish up. The general manager,of works is my uncle and he has already got a plece whers I will start work next year. D o not disappoint me since I determined to marry you. I pray for your success, study hard while I do my best. I beg to close hoping to get a favourable reply from you. I am, yours, Edwin Mark. Chapter 15 A lteter of engagement written by Nwokesma to Patricia St. AYO School, Markurudi, Balaka. 4-4-63. Dear Patty, It is just a considerable time now since we met list. I had waited for your reply to my letter of last week but to my surprise, you have kept cold silence. 'Why? Is it because I did not make 'the whole matter quite open to you or have you decided otherwise? I must not hide the fact now because Iho people have an adage which states that ''If you remove a bug from the partbody of a dog and do not show it to the dog, the dog would wrongly think that you removed its hair". �3a.4want ta.bting.itaticdy '.hsune-to.qou.t@atI have 'a decided:.inclinationi~~marry .Tell ?me.tlie-star. you. you have chosen..The Northern star is a symbol of consent but the Southern is a symbol of refusal. I urgently want this but it does not follow that I a m now sufficientlyready to pay the money dowry. I just want to make the intention oven to YOU. Greet your circle of trustworthy friends. Thanks. Your husband to be, Nwokeoma. Chapter 16 Patricia heartily replies Nwokeoma's letter of engagement . ~ ~~~~ All Boys Primary School, Ajitu P. A.. Via Akaka, Oshaka. Dear darling, Your purposeful letter has just come to .my grip and owing to thc seriousness of its contents, I have resalved to accord it crgent attention and cordial treatment. You have done nobly well by making your intention to have me as your dear wife lovely open to me. Before I say anything, I must shower my sincere thanks to you for your honesty of purpose which has enable you to conceive th.s genuine idea. Really, I must say that I have legitimate interest in you and your engagement letter is readily accepted, of course, you are going to be true to your salt. I know you are not playing me a gambling promise? Now that I have given consent to your courtship and subsequent request that I should be your wife, I want. you to double the assurance that you really mean it by your consenting that we should write an agreement to this effect. Normally you kuow that we will have to exchange rings as emblems of our wholehearted consent. 23 �,Y~:syr..Northern.star .bar.bq~. accept~d q&I.wmtyou to:.cherish,.my 'own humble suggestion by acceptance. I beg to remain, Your ever darling. Patty Uke. Cliupter 17 Nwokeoma replies favourably to Patricia's request St. Ayo School. Makurudi, Blaka 6--5-S3. Dear Patty, You are really as true as your profile. Your appearance always portrays you as a reasonable girl and you have shown this fact beyond any shadow of doubt. I had not the slightest doubt about your love for me and I must not fail to thank you heartily for your proving yourself to be a properly domesticad animal of your family. Yes here is a ring which I solemnly give to you as an indication that I wish to marry you three years hence. Your own is very much desirable and where you still insist on our writing of agreement, I may suggest that we should come together and put our heads together so that oneness of feelings may be fostered. Generally I judge you as a girl who could be trusted with her promise. Congrats to you. I am, your husband to-be, Nwokeoma. Chapter 18. Patricia replies with a promise to visit Nwokema for personal interview. 24 �All Boys Primary SchooE, Ajitu P. A. Oshaka. 19-5-63. Dear husband to be, Thank you for your prompt reply of my letter. You have actually done nobly excellent job by trying to find a ring and then sending it to me, really. Infact I credit you for this and must remark that you have proved your verocity beyond any shadow of doubt. Now, in the presence and the name of God our Lord, who is everywhere and sees all things, I offer you this ring and humbly bid you to keep your promise. I have given my whole self to you and you have got to do the same for love guiding principle is give and take. This is a double and genuine assurance that the love of women is all. Remember me to your brothers who will, other things being equal, call me their wife according to the fashion of our town. I now make a promise to visit you in this mid4e of next month. Chapter 19 lfeyinwa writes. a letter of engagement to her boy friend master Erric. St. Augustinas School, Irereuku, Western Nigiria. 4-9-63. Dear Erric, Why is it that i have not heard from you since a month or so? I know you will try to escape my blame by claiming that your long silence is due to thc pressure of time. Really your work is not a small one and ycu are always tired whenever you come back from school but this is not reason why you should keep in suspence of illformation about life in Onitsha which I know is always cadden with terrifying news. 25 �Well. Erric, you know fully well that it bas taken a long time since we began or fr~endship After taken this fact into a constructive consideration, I found that we must either be one now. by being married or separate. I am putting this to you having much consideration on my age which is n:arins 21. This is a marriageable girl and it is sheer folly for r e to continue to deceive myself by indulging in friendship without being truly engaged. Choose now or never for I am serious about it. Till yos reply,, greetings to all I am, Your lovely, Ife. Chapter 20 A reply to lfeyinwa's engagement letter. All Gills Baby Shop, Iyalu Kadinah, Panispi, Kon-Ala. 11-10-65. Dear Ifey, Having read with keenest understanding and avid interest your meaningfully worded letter. I now think it opportune and indeed mannerly to reply it. Frankly spsaking, I never knew that you had the same feeling I have for you. for me. Thank you very much for this for I must have to cherish your oneness of mine soon. I will not not hesitate to you know that I have really . compromised to engage you for the same genuine thought made been lingering in my mind but I was fearing that you would not accept it at present. I will be yours t ~ l the last great day when it may please our Creator to l call any of us to the realm of the past men, who of course may have enjoyed his kingdom according to their individual stewardship on earth. 26 �Normally. we will have to exchange rings a s a way of indicating our real and legitimate promise. Chapter 21 P. P. Otuchkirikwu writes an engagement letter to Miss Rose. 224 Ogidi Road, Onitsha, 33b Afubera Street, Onitsha. D~arestRose, I believe you might have been expecting to get a letter of this nature from me. As true as it is. I ~ o u l d have written it before this time but 1 delayed in order to iavestigate the situation of things because all that glitters is not gold. Marriage is something done once in life therefore it must never need hesitation of any kind. Now I haw: vetrtureif to beg for your hand. Before you reply I should like you to think over it for two weeks so that whatever you give me as your answer will be irrevocable. May God grant my request. Yours preciously, P. P. Otuchisirikwu. Chapfer 12 Rose N. Chukwuemeka replies P.P. Otuchisirikwu's letter. 33b Afubera Street, Onitsha. 224 Ogidi Road, Onitsha. Sir, I can but inadequately express my gratitude in getting your dated about engagement. �I will not hesibte in giving you affirmative reply for I decided even. in anticipation. ,The magnitude of your love in me is equally resprocated therefore nothing will prevent your proposal (except death) from materiallsing. The earlier you approach my parentsfor it the happier I become. I ha. e re-erved niyself spiritually and kcd~ly for you. May God give urgent approval to o w proposal. 1 am, Sir, Your honest intended wife, Rose N. Chukwuemeka. Chapter 23 No. 5 Ikoba Road, Benin City. No. G ~ i h l t oRoad, Benin City. Dear Anti, 1 can no longer cndure to tell you the opinion I have of you. I since decided toengage you but I found it difficult to contact you directly. 1 idomatically ment~oned of it to you during our last social gathermg but I found out that yo9 did not understand me. Therefore I put it in writing and hope to get your rep!y as early as' possible You know very well how girls chase me yet I decided. to adhere to you. Wishing you God's blessing. Yonrs truly, J. P. O~obo. Chapter 24. Anti repties J. P. Otobo's Letter 28 �No. 5 Ikoba Road, Benin city. No. 6 Riluko Road. Benin city. Sir, Your letter ocengagernent reached me recently. I thank you very much. Indeed I have adequate love in you and I wish to grant your request but I entertain fear for one reason. Many boys have made it their occupation to disappoint girls. I have a friend named veronica. She was engaged to a young man who used her as an instrummt of his happiness w t eventually he disappointed her Many grls have been put in a family wav in pretence of marriage which did never materialise. Therefore my consent is subject to your honesty. I am. yours honest intended. A. U. Odiboli. Chapter 25 Iyienu Hospital: Via Onitsha. 3a Sokoto Road, Umuchu Okabia, Orlu. Dearest in heart, Our first meeting was held in the year 1960 but my love of you glitters still. I know very well that you love me too but my position seizes your tongue. Therefore let me tell you what you should first say instead. I will be very happy if you take me to the altar. I know you like to marry me but you think a common man cannot marry a nurse of my rank. �please d o not mind your financial madness for I am ready to submit my purse to your control. Many lawyers arid doctors have asked my hand but I definitely refused. I want to live with a man from financially depressed family so that I will struggle and contribute my own quota.in the building of the family. Any family that is built by the combined efforts of husband and wife, is usually more durable and happier than that built or constructed alone by a man. I promise to be o r remain a faithful wife to yor: till I have t h e bosom of this world, Meet me at your convenient time so that I will tell you how and when you will approach my parents. I enclose here with £50 (fifty pounds) in checque for your maintainance and a copy of my most recent photograph. Wishing you God's blessiogs. Yours faithfully, Nware B. Onyechinyelu. Chapter 26 Ben's reply. 3a Sokoto Road, .Umuchu Okabia, Orlu P. 0. Iyienu Hospital, Via Onitsha, E. Nigeria. My dear Nware, Your unexpected letter is a sea breeze to my heart. Happiness has swallowed.my heart and enervated my body that I cannot adequately write. I will come to you next Saturday as you requested. Please I feel more than I can write; till we meet face to face. Yours sincerely, Ben Onyeodanyere. �C. C. Nwakrihe writes engaeement letter to Eliza. No. SOc St. John's Street, Onitsha. No. 2 Enugu Road, Onitsha. Dear Eliza, Itlo not think of marriage in five years time but the ardent love 1 have on you is pow forcing me to marry prematurely Tell me plainly v*hetheryou are equally interested in me so that we shall immediately take conjugal step. I am convinced that you will be a good house wife. Yours sincerely, C. C. Nwakaihe. Chapter 28 The reply. No. 2 Enugu Road, Onitsha. No. 50c St. John's Street. Onitsha. Sir, I thank you very much for your recent letter to me. I allowed my parents to read the letter and comment on the contents. Their discussion is quite contrary to my expectation. Indeed the members of my famiiy strongly opposed my marriage with you. But one thing you must know is that we must marry each other irrespective of parental opposition. It is my right to marry any man I love and it is not the right of the parents to marry for me a man of their own interest. Those whn marry under parental influence usually make wrong choice; but when a girl marries the man she chooses by herself marriage is enjoyed. - 31 �Therefore I must marry you whether you are poor or rich. I advise you to approach for formal~tysake; they refuse if then I follov you and we can in the Government channel if not under church formality. May God bind us to one family. Yours lovely, Eliza E. Chikwe. Chapter 29. A charming love letter by James Ude. No. 8 Oguta Road, Onitsha. Dear lovely Joe, I have not heard from you since quite a long time now. How do you do? Hoping nothing has gone amiss? Yes it is Jammy and I know you will not but be interested to get this. I now decide to write you. I am holidaying at home so that you can make time to come and see me. Hoping to see you while wishing you the best of the seasons. Yours I~veiy, Jammy. The happy reply. No. 18 U~nuahiaRoad, Alanimili Ugwu, Umuahia. Dear Jammy, Thank you for your remembrance and sincere devotion to me. I obviously know that you dearly love me and wish me to be your own for ever. This means that we shall soon marry? If you disagree to this suggestion �yau b cott every love for me for I . am not...ready t~..~Faal mysel any longer, .. Yours faithfully, Joe. Chapter 3 1. Helen writes a letter of engagement to Richard Akagbe Grammar School, Ikey Village P. A., Abala. Deat Rich, How do you d o ? Yes I feel it is incumbent on me to %rite you this letter just to bring my intention about our love home to you. Firstly, I wnuld like you to know that we have fooled ourselves quite enough and it will reach the top of our bent if we continue to wallow in unnecessary love affairs. Secondly I want you to send me a ring which will show me that you really mean to marry me in the near future. 1 am up to a marriageable age and must marry now or never. Thanks, Yours in heart. Helen. Chapter 32 8 Reply to Helen's letter 64 Pound Road, Aba E. Nigeria. " Dear Helen, Your well worded letter of engagement has reached me. Thank you for not being morally too low just as some other girls who wocld rather choose to die in the sea of love making than marry. your offer I will not hesitate to accept the ring next week. and 1 will send you Besides, we shall marry on the Altar in December �this;.year..:P.Fay fewently. for ihis. Greetings, Your best luck, Rich. Chapter 33 Polly writes an impressive letter of engagement. All Saints Grammar School, Abab, Yabu. Dear Fellyd. I have just received your letter and I very much cherish the ideas in the letter. Thank you very much. Well, I would like you to tell me how best to meet your parents on the event of my engaging you I need this very urgently, of course on condition that you accept me as your husband. ~ Extend my sincere regards to y o parents. Your darling, Polly. Chapter 34 Reply Dear Polly, Congrats. You have said what I have been expecting to hear from you. Really you have done a lot to elevate our moral standard because by being married we shall become good citizens. For your directory, you have got to approach my mum and show her this my letter which will assure her that I have accepted to be your �wife. This is the end because my mum -does not refuse what I have accepted. Greetings from me while I still say bravo for your houourable more. I am, your wife to be, Feliyd. THE RICH MAN'S DAUGHTER A PLAY BY 'RAJA RAPHAEL (drtihor, Journalisr, Dramatist di Novelist) CHARACTFRS John Bull - a rich, man Elizabrth - his uife their d a u g ~ t e r Magi Joseph the father of Keni the mother Mary their son whom Magi the daughter of John Keni Bull the rich man \rant to marry. CHIEF BEN - The man whom Magi refused to marry his son Bonny. KATTY Maei's girl friend Keni's boy friend FELl IKEM ' Servant to John Bull. (the story.and the character's of the play are imaginary and therefore should not be associated with any person or place) - - PREFACE This story intends to show the big gap between the rich and the poor, and the extent this could go to hamper the social relations of both classes, over in case of love. �John Bull was a rich man and wanted his daughter MAGI to have a rich man's son as her husband. But Magi was determined to marry the man she love so much, not rnindi~igthe state of poverfy o r his family. Keni was the man kkigi loved with her whole heart. And Bonny was the son of Chief Ben whom her father wanted to marry Magi, but she couldn't give in. Her father threatened, bur she did not bother. And at last she won This is a story you will never forget. Raja Rapheal. SCEEE ONE John Bull comes out from his private room and asks IKEM about the wltereabout of MAGl.her daughter. John Bull: Where is Magi? I K E M I no see her. She no dey in, Sir. John Bull. Where's she been? Ikem: I no knob,' Sir. John Bull: But she went out to some place -I think? Ikem: Ycs Sir. john Bull: Has it been long she went out? Ikem: Yes Sir, ius' abouttwo hours now, Sir. John Bull: Did shk tell you where is going? Ikem: No. She 110 dey talk to me since two week now, Sir. Every time I pass where she standin she begin look me bad eye. I nu know why. I no k ~ o w whether na because I say last time say me follow one man wey de come here before. John Rull: That's-Keni ynu 'mean? Ikem: ' Yes Sir. Since I tell you say she rle follow him, and you askam, she no de gtee me talk to her again. John Bull: I see, she said she is love with him. Ah wonder, Sir! She wan leave that rich man Ikem: son to love another person wey no go fit make good husband to her. John Bull: Don't mind her, she dosen't like good things. She wants to suffer and I'm going to teach her a lesson. May be she.has gone out to see him. 36 �T no J e see him since-ah mean Keni. The man she say be her lover, Sir. John Bull: I have warned him never to come here anv more. Ikem: No wonder! 1 see. Na that de make him no come as he de do before! John Bull: Yes. Ikem, go and buy me one bottle of stilut beer. Cool one, you hear? (He ~ i v e s him money for the beer and Ikem turns to go out) G o quick, quick! Before three minutes I have seen you! Yes, Sir! Jkem: Ikem: - (Exit Ikem Alone) ~ohn Bull: I don't know what is wrong with this girl. I don't know why Magican't hear me and obey me. lifter all I'm doing so for her happiness. But she says that she wants' to suffer in life. No! I won't let her suffer the bitterness of poverty. I'm rich and my daughter should marry and live in a rich family as well. Oh this-! (ENTER M A G I ) John Bull: Where have you been Magi? Magi: No where, Papa. John Bull: You're a liar! Tell me where you have been since a long time now. I have not been out so long, Papa. Magi: John Bcll: Tell me the truth now or I'll handle you badly now. Will you? Magi: I have not been far, Papa. John Bull: Where were you then? D o you want t o tell me that you have not been out to Reni's? Speak out! Can you deny it? I have not been to his, Papa. Magi: John Bull: Shut uu! Don't anger me the more. Pitv yourself; Magi have-a pity on yourself. * Magi, Why this, Papa? John Bull, You don't know? You can't deceive me. I know what's right for you, but you won't listen to me. You want t o d o yorlr will, and you are going t o suffer for it. �But I have not been to that place, Papa. Who Magi: told you that I'went to him? John Bull: ;Did you go there? Magi: No, Papa. John Bull. Sbut up! Don't provoke mv anger with your lies! Oh, where's Ikem -where's him 7 Magi, I'm not telling you lie, Papa. John Bull, Stop! and get out from here, quick! You want to become useless. Don't tell me anything again. 'Magi, Oh, PapaJohn Bull. I say get out! You liar! You think' that you're cheating me. (EXIT MAGI) You don't wnnt t o 'hear your father's words! You want to d o your will. We shall see who rules here. (scratching his beard uneasily) Oh, Ikem won't come back with the wine in time This girl this foolish girl makes me grow annoyed. ' CURTAIN FALLS. SCENE TWO. Ma,i, alone s6bbing. Enter Ikem and asks why. Wentin de d o you, mag^? ( N o reply) Oh, you Ikem, n o hear wentin I d e talk? Please forgive me, I no know say we no de talk t o each other. (and he tries to walk -out) Magi. Wait. Ikem. (She dries the tears with handker". chief) I say come here, Ikem. (Walks back reb~ctantly) Yts, wetin you de call Ikem, me? Don't hurry, wait for a moment. I want t o ask Magi, you something. You don forget say me and you no de talk t o Ikem, each other since? 1 beg, leave me I de go d o one important thing. Is that thing more important than .what I want Magi, - t o ask you? I no know wetin you de talk, please leave me. Iker\l, �Magi: +.. I. don3 hsld you,: .you:.ka~~. what\.J.;wagt. :Ba to know from you. now is the persqn who .told...Papa that I went to Keni's house.. Please I don't know weting you.-de talk, miss. Ikem: You wan start- the Keni's talk again? Magi: Yes, weren't you the one who started it? How I starting it? You don begin again, Magi. Ikem: 1 no wan trouble now. Please make you go an' find another person, no be me. I oo de--o! Please, Ikem, I warn you now. As from today, Magi: stop flying into my private affairs. I no know wetin you de talk sef. Na English Ikem: vou cle talk to me?. You know say I no de hear English. Mind only yourown business in this house, ~ k e m Ma&: You're a servant here and have no right to interfere into the affairs of the family. I have suffered so many inconvinences because of you. Ah, you wan tell me say your father get money? Ikem: No be' only him be de rich man aey dey for this world. And will you leave this place m d go to that Magi: another place? I no go go! I no go leave here. No be you Ikem: take me for work here. 0 K; we shall see what is going to happen. . Magi: You no go fit do anything. lkem: (ENTER MANA) Elizebeth: What's raging on here again? Oh you won't give a 'little rest in this house. Ask him-ask that idiot. A liar! He's an eaveMagi: sdropper of the worst type, Mama. Ikem: Look! madam, she don start to curse me now. Please no curse me again, Magi. I no de hear wettin you de talk. I no de hear English, please. Don't you know where English is being learnt? Magi: I no know, ,please. Ikem: Why? you must know. . . Magi: �Elizebetb Please stop it sa far, 1 don't want. ta heac.a~y one of you again. But you must tell him to keep off my domestic Magi: affairs, Mama. Elizebeth: What is it again? Magi. He told Papa that I went out t o Kenl's, but I didn't go there. Elizebeth: To Keni's house? Ikem: I no tell master anything madam. Magi: But Papa asked me about it when I returned. Ikem: You know where you go no be me. Magi: What! repeat that again and 1'11 show you what . I can do. Jkem: Impossible! You no go fit do me anything. , Magi: You'll see now, (she moves towards him with fury) Today will be the end of everything. Elizebeth, (Holding her back) Don't d o that, Magi. You go to the kitchen, Ikem. Ikem: Make you leave her, make she come fight me. N o hold her back. Magi: (Struggling to free herself from the grips of her mother) Please leave me, Mama, I want to see the end to the whole insults Ikem has been pouring on me since he came to this house. Elizebeth: Don't be silly, Magi. (turning to Ikem) Please get out from here I say! Ikem. Can't you understand when somebody is serious and determined about something? J wonder! Ikem: Na because of you I de g o out now, madam. (Exif Ikem) Why did you let him go? You know I wanted Magi: to tear him into pieces. He has done me a lot of damage. Elizebeth: Cool your temper, Magi. One thing I want t o tell you now is that you must beware of Ikem. Your father is with him, that's why he doesn't respect anybody in this house than him. Magi: Why? Why should Papa trust Ikem like that? Is he not an ordinary servant in this house. Elizebeth: Yes, but he's more than a servant in this �house now. You must know that your father has advisechim to keep an eye on your movements these days. Why? Well, that's' a small 'case: ~ ehim d o anyt Magi: thing he likes, 1 will never marry Bonny in my life. I'll only marry the one I love that's Keni. Elizabeth: So you have not changed your mind. Magi? You'll consider whar your father told you. I have heard everything. If I marry Keni, he Magi: would not help me in any way, wasn't it what he said? Elizabeth: It was so. Magi: Well, all this bscausz Keni is not from a rich family? Elizabeth: Yes. Magi: Well, 1 can tell yoc again that I'm going to be his wife, whether rich or poor. Elizabeth: Why? Won't you listen to your father? Can't you respect hini? Magi: It is because E love .Keni. Mama. t!lizabeth: Please come back to your senses, Magi. Don't d o a thing you'll afterwards regret about it. Magi, Oh! don't make me weak, Mama. I have not expected to hear these words from you. Please look . at the matter from my point of view. I love Keni and he loves me as well. We're going to be happy conple whether poor o r rich. And talking about being rich, how many times have you told me that my father wasn't a rich man before he married you? Will you deny now of having talked so'! Elizabeth: No. You're right, Magi. Magi: And why do you support in this wicked discrimination against love? Elizabeth: I'm not against your choice, Magi. But it' you are in my position, you can see wbat I mean. It's true that I'm your mother, but your father has every right t o make any change about the sort of man you sould marry. �E'a;giee with.yair;-but .in this'case, hi's iusisimcy that I shouU not marry Keni because he's not from a rich fam~lyis wrong. His characters and general behaviour can't be questioned in any way, therefore I see no reason in rejecting him because he's not from a rich family. Elizab-th: Well, but -Wait Mama, let me finish fir-t. Yes, I know that Magi: he's not from a rich family, but 1'11 be happy to work struggle together with such a husband in love for ovr existellce than to be ill at ease in a readymade fortune. Elizabeth: Oh! it's enough, Magi. You have already turned a philosopher with a short period of your new acquircd knowledge of life. Yes, love derives its strength from the suppreMagi: ssion of its true meaning and the oppression of its will and desire. Elizabeth: Oh! still the philosopher? Stop so far, my daughter. I don't want to be associated with the name as an oppressor'and suppresspr of love; how much more to that .of my daughter. What I'll tell you now is to mind how you talk about him whenever ikem is around. But you must keep patieoce, t h i n p will sort out themselves. 0.K; but whatever may happen, I must marry Magi: Keni. He's the only one I love. Elizabeth: Oh! still talking about him? It's 0.k; my daughter. CURTAIN FALLS. Magi: SCENE THREE. The scene shifis. I n the hcuse o Joseph. f ENTER Joseph: Mary his wife end Keni their son. All of them are in a mood of long and heated argument Keni: I don't take all the things you're talking as any thing. Keep away from me and my sorrows. �Joseph: Ah! ah, look your son, woman. I'no know whether someth~rlg'do ctnter his head. Mary: Is he not your son again? Joseph: I mean na we two get him. I know say you no go be annoy again. Make you talk to him. Uary: Well, Keni-Keni, my son, .no be you I de call answer me! Joseph: He no bz your son alone. Na we two get him. Mary: Make you do disturb me! Alanwe. Make you answer me, Keni-no be you I de call? Keni: What's it? Mary: Why you de grow annoy with me? Name make your father no be r c h man? Joseph: Ah! ah, make you no tell him like that. You know say na you .be his mother, and me be his father. We two be his parent and we two be poor. no be only me. What are you talking so, Papa?.Can't you talk Keni: sensibly as a man? Joseph: Look-o! he wan eat me because I talk de thing wey come to my head. Make you no mind him, Keni. He no de know Mary: wetin he de talkin whe he don drink plenty wine. Keni: Oh! I see. Joseph: Make you no mind her my son, I no drink any wine. O2ly ah no know wetin de push my head like say I drinkin wine. Listen to me Keni. Why you say you go marry Mary: her7 ----. Because I love her and want to have her as my Keni: wife. I need her company so much. Magi can make a good wife. She doesn't do like the daughtei of a rich man. Mary: Wetin you tell me last time say her father tell you? Keni: Don't mind about that, what I know is that Magi is ready to marry me a t any time from now. But one blessing. thing remains now-I w a n t your Mary: Please my so, make you no bring trouble to to we here because of this girl. Me and your father �hear no go fit face Ozuru, de father of Magi. As he no gree say yoii go mariy his daughter, make you come out from it. Many many girls dey for town. Make you find anot!~er onc from dem. We no be rich people. V e no wan elter for rich nian talk. C That's not uhat I want to hear from ycu. It Keni: is nor the question of being rich, but the question of love and marriage. Two of L S love each other and we have dccided to get married. That's all. (EXIT K E W ) Mary: Keni! Keni! come back. Joseph: I tell you say the boy wan do his mind. He no go gree anything you tell him now. Mary: You wan make we leave him alone? Joseph: Yes, na that kind thing he waxt. He no de listen to anybody. We be fool for him face. He no go fall where somebody go carry him back. He wan marry the daughter of a rich man. f-le no go marry mother pirl? Xe wan big big thing. But he know say he no rich that big-thing. I drink any wine-o! Make you no talk say I drinkin wine. Only something de push me for head like wine-o! (And he falls back from the chair he's sitting on) CURTAIN FALLS SCENE F U R Kerii And Feli. This is a world where money and material posseFeli: ssions governs. Yes, you're right. But in this case, it's not true Keni: She's with me head-over heels! But the only snag about it is her father. Feli: That's why I say that money and material possession count s o much in every affair in this modern times. But this is not to discourage you, you see. Infact, I share the same thing with you in this matter. However, d o you think that he'll let her daughter so loosely as that t o marry the son of a poor family? You know these rich men look down on the unfortunate ones as urorthless people. 44 �Keni: You're thinkillg very childshly. Feli. Though, I understand whit you mean, but in the face of love everybody is the same. There is inferiority in love. Feli: You may be right, bct ................. Keni: I te11'~outhat Magi is not like that. She doesn't ' do like the daughter of a rich man as some use to do. She's very humble, and a very nice $1 too. It is only her father that tries to instil such htgh feelings into her mind in order to reject and forget all about me, but she could not give in. With the help of thc AImighty we shall overcome the obstacle that her father presented on our road of love. As for her mother, she presents no great difficulty. When we have succeeded in convincing the father, every other things will be easy. Feli: You Ozuru is a very rich and proud somebody But, however, I wish you every saccess. Keni: That's what 1 want to hear from you. This my first battle in liie for happiness and I'll never live to lose it. Wait somebody is coming here. (ENTER KATTY) Oh! she looks very beautifulFeli: Keni: Keep silent, don't disgrace yourself now. (Looking around) If I'm not mktaken, this is Ketty: Joseph's house, gentlemen? You're right, fair lady, this is Joseph's house. Feli: And yog're his son, I think? Whose name is Katty: Keni, I hope? Yes, his n a m you msntioned, but I'm n o t he. Feli: Look him (and he points at Keni) Friend she wants to see you; why are you so cold? keni: Don't worry please. Oh! Why? Have I done an) wrong against you Feli: by saying that this gentle lady wants to talk to you? Keni: Please, J say don't you worry me, Feli, you hear? Leave me alone to myself. �Katty: . .(Smili.ng,. 'Sorry; % h e ~ ~ o m c o nlep7vse is being oppressed he finds no other comfort than in complete solitude where he could visualies the mental picture of the object of his love, (Moving towards her with a little smile on his Keni: ,lips) Young chap, who taught you how to read what is a man's beart'! Katty: Don't be suprised for I'm a vessenger of peace between you and another person altogether. I have a message of love from your lover. A message of love for me from my lover? Keni: Katty: Yes. Let's go aside and I'll tell you the whole thing. Keni: Is it so private? Katty, Private and confidential! Keni: 0.K: wait. (turning to Feli) Friend, please give us some minutes, You're at liberty to kiss her feet! Feli: (EXIT FELI) (laughing lowly) He's a funny somebody. Is he Katty: your friend ? Keni: Yes, His name is Feli. Katty: Thank you. Well, can you recognise me now? Keni: Not quite well for that matter. What's i t ? But have you seen me with somebody before? Katty: Just a girl for that matter. Oh! yes I can remember now. I have seen you Keni: once with Magi during a social dance at a certain place, only could not remember when. But I did take a close look of your person. Katty: Well, don't worry yourself. Magi and I are just good friends to each other: We hide nothing from one another. Is that so? Keni: Katty: Yes. She sent me to come and call yuu. She's in my house just now. So don't waste time. Keni: Why? Katty: She says she has one urgent message for you, but she could not come to your house straight. ' �You can go now, I'm coming behind you. Please, don't waste much time. She's in a hurry know. 0 K: tell her I'm coming behind. You have known the p m e ? Yes, ~ t ' snot conlusing aly-way. 0.K; you may call :i your friend. (ENTER FELI) Feli: Oh! I'm very sorry! (trying to go out) I hope I have not disturhed you? Katty: Come back Feli, you have not (looking at Keni) He's quite a very funny creature, don't you think? Keni, More especially when he sees a beautiful girl like you. Katty: Ah! two of you are the same. Thank you very much. Come quick, she's waiting you. (turning t o Feli) We hope to meet another time, OK. replied Feli. (EXIT KATTY) Feli: Oho-o-o! you hare told her whom I am already, No wonder why she know my name. Please Keni tell me her name, or won't you? Keni: Why? her name is Kathy! And she's after you to the last. Feli: You mean it? Keni: The whole thing depends upon yon! Cast your net and you're going to make a big and nice catch. Feli: Well, that apart, what's the purpose of peeping in at this hour. For a messwe "private and confidential"! That's Keni. how she called 3. she was sent by my sweet Magi to come and look for me. Man, I told you something is going to happen! She can't pass a day without ,om me. seeing or hearing fFeli, What makes her sweet? She tastes like sugar or salt? Keni, This is not the time for jokes. ~ 6 your better e another day. Feli, O.K. Until that day, so that I can get a packet of sugar for niy own use. Keni: Katty: you Keni: Katty: Keni. Katty: �And give anofher packet of sugar to her-so that Keni: two of you can taste sweet to each' other. You're right, but this is not the time'for jokes. Feli: Hurry home to her and 1 1 'hurry back to get 1 ' ready for the catch! Keni: Still the joker? CURTAIN FALLS SCENE FIVE In Karl-v's Room Katty And Magi. Are you sure he said that he would come? Magi: F e said so and I'm sure of that. Katty: But why hans't he come by now? A short time Magi: now and it will get dark. Katty: If my cars did not fail me, he said that he would be coming behfnd. He may be coming now. mag^: Are you sure he can locate ihe sight of this house? He said he knows it quite well and should not Katty: miss the way. ~ a g i : Well. 1'11 wait for sorre more minutes and if he fails to tuin up, I go back. The only thing I know that will delay him a Katty: little is that young man I said that was with him. Feli, you called his name? Magi. Katty: Yes, he's quite a funny gnd charming young man! Magi. Yes, he's. That's how it use to be at the first -. sight. Katty: Not so with this one, Magi. Since we have come to intimatz 'each dtber with our private matters have you heard me praise . any young man in this manner other than this Feli? No.. you're right. Then I can say you have some Magi: special liking for him? Oh! I don't know how I can describe my feelings Katty: now about him. You must try to, Kathy, that's bow it starts. Magi, - - �Katty:. ;What's *&at, :.;Mag?? Magi: Well, I hope you're no longer. a chjld?. ... Katty: I'm not. And I hope you, don't thmk that I'm still a child? Magi: I haven't such an idea in mind, that's why I put that question to you. Katty: Yes, 1 understand you, but d o you kzow what will be his opinion about me? Some young men may appear very charming outside, but inside their heart, they are as black as coal about love. Magi: Oh! deai Katty. I'm sorry that I'm unable to give you a better advice about that now, but however things may turn good in future. Katty: Yes, l understand you quite well. But why has he not come by now? He assured me his being here after some minutes I have been back. Magi: That's one thing wrong with men. When you are after them, they will start to dodge you., I tell men know how to keep women in great expectations when in love--"..--(ENTER KENZ) Oh dear me! have you been eavesdropping on us, Keni? (perspiring) Not, no: I, my dear Magi, I'm just Keni: coming here now. You know you sent a message t o me, but by then I was with a friend Katty saw him I think. Katty: Yes, Feli, not so? Keni: He is. So before I could finish with him and get the chance t o come here, it took quite a long time. I hope I have not delayed you so much, my Magie. . any news? Mogi: Your bright presence have dried away, the dews your delay dropped into my heart. Oh! my Magi, cheer up! The slave of your heart Keni: is here now to look after you. Magi: Oh, enough of that, my love-control your heart! We have but a short time here. This is why I have sent for you. (She gives him a small sized purse) Keep that with you, and don't let it get out of your hold. �What'.$ is it my lov&$:-E$.4t made of-m&to kuow?of it$ .contents? Magi: .Yes, you're privileged to do so. However, its' contents is nothing but money. It is hundred pocnds on the whole. Don't let any other person into this secret. It is only three of us here who share ' this knowledge. Keni: Why this surprise change in your manner, Magi? You know I didn't ask vou about monev. What I want is your love and cohpany, nothmg again outside it. Magi: You're right my love. But I have not changed my manners-don't say so. Keep that money with you until1 the time I shall come to demand it back from you. That's the whole purpose of my sending for you now. You can g- now, don't waste any time, my dear. Keni : Dear, won't you..-.....--.... M a ~ i : No time for that now. until we see again. Keni: 0.K: until then. (he walks to the door and turns back) Oh! lest I forget, Katty, Feli sent his sincere greetings to you through me. Katty: Thank you so m x h , send him mine as well! 0 K; goodbye! Keni: (EXIT KENI) Katty: Oh, men are woaderfrll! Magi: Yes, especially in love. CURTAIN FALLS. Ken/: SCENE SIX. In John Bull's House. John Bull: We shall know who is the ruler of this compound, I wish Chief Ben and his son are.around now. However, they may be on their way coming I: think. (ENTER IKEM) D o you see her? asked John Bull Ikem: I no see her, Sir, I no fit tell how she J e go now. �John Bull: Don't mind her, ,I'll get her round very soon. Chief Ben and his son will be here in a very short time. She no de stay in the house in de evening. Small Ikem: time she go come in, small time she go go out again. Sometime she go hold somethings for hand, sometime she no holding anything. John Bull: O.K! thank you very much. Keep eye on her and her mother, you hear? Ikem: Yes. Sir Masa. John Bull: You can go out now. Ikem: Thank Sir. (ENTER ELIZABETH) Elizabeth: Stop and stand where you're, Ikem! I'm only very sorry for you, John Bull. It is not good of you to spy on your daughter and wife. John Bull: Don't disturb me now! G o out from here! and tell her to get prepared for Chief Ben and his . . son's coming. Elizabeth: I'm not going to tell her! Do whatever you like with her. she's vour daughter! Is it because she n ~ refuses to marry ~ o n that Gade you to keep a spy on me and her? Threatening her like that wor't bring any good result, you know. if she says that she won't marry Bonny, you better leave her alone. You have done your duty as a father, nobody is going to blame you for it. If she wants to suffer as she has chosen, instead of living on the fortune of a rich famiy, let her alone. Johh Rull: That can never be done in this house! She must do my wish or face trouble. Elizabeth: Kill her then if you wish! John Bull: So you're supporting her in her decision? Elizabeth: I support none of you. (ENTER MAGI) Johc Bull: Where have you been, Magi? Magi: Perhaps, your son Ikem have told you that I . . went out? Elizabeth: Yes, Ikem is no longer a servant in this house, but as his son! �John Bull: .Just tell me where you. .have been! Magi. : I have been no where dther than this house! Please, make nobody call my name now Ikem: Your name must be mentioned, Ikem! A liar, Magi: an eavesdropper! You're no longer a servant in this house, but as a son, according to the wish of your master, because I did not agree to marry the son of a rich man and a chief for that matter. John Rull, Stop that. Magi! Will you get prepared for the coming of Chief Ben and his son? Papa, if it's still your wish to hear me address 'Magi: ' you so. To be sincere, Im ready now to die, instead of marrying this son of a rich man! John Bull: Shut up! Do you want to marry the son of a . poor man? ' I m married to him already, if you don't know! ' Magi: Elizabeth: What are you talking, Magi? Do you know that you're addressing your Papa? John Bull: Leave her, she'sjnst cracking a big joke. Magi: Yes, may be a big joke to you now. And likewise, it's going to be a big surprised to see the first fruit of my marriage in a near future. Yes, I m determined to ' marry a poor man. And it makes no difference. Poor people are human beings as well as the rich people. Even the poor knows more about love than the rich. And what more 11 It is love that I want and I have found it. You can reject me and deny me as not being your daughter now, I'm satisfied! (EXIT M4GZ CRYING) John Bull: What's all this about? Is she mnning crazy? Elizabeth: I don't know. I have told yod often and agaJohnin to leave her alone, but you won't listen to me. Eliza Bull: That's a minor thing. She must marry Bonny. beth: I'm not holding you back from doing what is your will about her. �(8XlT MAMA) John Bull: Keep on watching their movements, Ikem. They want to deceive me wiih tricks. T h ~ is a plan s they have made in order to' prevent Magi's marriage with Bonny. Keepeyc on them, you hear? Ikem: Yes, Sir. John Bull: Don't mind whatever they may talk about you, or any name they may calf you.Ikem: Yes, Sir. I no de mind. the things they telling me, I no heardem. I no de hear big big grammatika. Ozuru; You're a funny somebody, Ikem. CURTAIN FALLS. SCENE SEVEN Ikem welcomes Chief Ben and his son, Bonny. Welcome, sir. Make una sit down for chairs. Ikem: My master de come. Chief Ben: Thank you. This boy be good boy, my son (azd he sit on a chair) Yes, he is a very clever and intelligent boy. Bonny: Chief Ben: Yes, na this kind boy I de like. Oh, why my son, plenty chair, plenty things dey here where you go fit sit down. Thank you, Papa (and he sits on a chair.) Bonny: Chief Ben: Ah! my big friend don come! (ENTER JOHN BULL) John Bull: Welcome. Chief Ben and son. How dovou do Bonny? Bonny: Goodevening, Sir. John Bull: Thank you so much my son. Has it been long you come? Chief Ben: Not so-o long! Your boy say make we sit down you de come. Ozuru: Yes, I instructed him to do so. I went to a nearby neighbour over there to take something. Chief- Ben: Oho-n-o! 1 think say you no remembers say we coming today. 1 remembered it quite well. Ikem go and call Ozuru: -, madam, big madam I mean.. Ikem: Yes, Sir. - ' �(EXIT .I .K E M ) . . . Chief Ben: T h i s your boy be cikver boy., John Bull: Yes, he ,doesn't delay in anything. Bonny: Very nice of him! Chizf Ben: Where the girl we come see? Or she no dey in now? Make she come see my son! John Bull: You're right Ben! She will be here within some minutes. ( E N T E R ELIZABETH) Elizabeth: Welcome, Chief Ben! You come to our house today, oh! with your son as well? Chief Ben: Yes, visisi. We come to see our wife. She stay for house? Elizabeth: Well, I don't think she's in now. John Bull: What? Where's she? Elizabeth: I don't know. Chief Ben: Ah! be she de fear my son? John Bull: No, not necessarily that. Chief Ben: Oh! I for say make she no fear, my son no be bad person. John Hull: No, not in that way. Elizabeth: Welcome, Bonny. Bonny: Goodevening, madam. Elizabeth: Thank you so much. (ENTER I K E M ) John Bull: Do you see her? Ikem: No. I no see her. John Bull: Where has she gone? I told her that Chief Ben and Bonny would be coming today. Where's she been, for goodness sake? Chief Ben: Make ino be say she no wan marry my son? John Bull: No, she's going to marry Bonny! Elizabeth: Do you say no, John? Chief Ben and Bonny, it is not good keeping you in suspense. Magi did not agree that she will marry you, Bonny! That's all, but I'm sorry. This is her wish and we have tried every method to see that she reasoned with us, but all were in vain. �John Uull So you know about her wher~about? Elmheth. I do not know, it is in the same camp . you are that I am. Chief Ben: Well, good make you no come here make argument. I wan go now with my son, but you go tell us the time we go come again, John. You know we be good friend long time now, no go grow annoy with you now. But that day wey you go tell we we come now, if we come that day and n ) meet her, I go be angry with you. John Rull: O,K! you will have to come back in two week's time, Chief Ben. Please don't grow annoyed with me yet, Bonny. Bonny: No, don't worry so much. Nothing is amiss yet, added John Bull. Chiet Ben. We de go-o! We go see that day-o! Bonny: Goodbye to you, slr and madam. John Bull: Thank you so much Bonny! Elizabeth: Go-dbye. Bonny! (EXIT CHIEF BEN AND BONNY, HIS SON) John Bull: What's wrong with Magi? Elizabe:h: I don's know. Vlagi knows herself and what she's doing. Give us chance first. Ikem. Ikem: Yes madam. John Bull: What's it, Ehza? Speak it out. Why do you look so gloomy throughout their stay here? Is any. thing wrong? ~lizabeth: Do you know that Magi is expecting a baby now? John Bull: What? oh! this girl doen't want to be good She has spoilt herself. Elizabeth: Yes, but you helped her in it. John Bull: By how? What are talking? Elizabeth: Without your threats, she would not have done so. She's not sorry for it. It seems she purposely did it in order to know what you'll do. John B 1 Well, well, where is her? or isn't she ir. now? 1: Elizabeth: Do you think I was telling lies when I said that I have not seen her since noon? �John Bull: What? Yes,after revealing-this4 0 . meb she went. out Eliza: unoticed. What's going to be done now? Don't you think John: we should go and give complain in the police station? Elizabeth No, not yet. It's seven now, before nine o'clock and if she didn't come back from wherever she may be, we can then go and complain t o the police. John Bull: What? Wait till nine o'clock in the night? If it happens that she is finding where she'll hang herself by now, don't you think that she can be detected out by the police at once than to wait till nine o'clock when she might succeeded in killing herself. Or don't you have in mind that she may commit abortion? Please let's do something about it now! ' Elizabeth: Im sorry I can be of no help to you now. This is your own doing and you must solve it alone. Perhaps this is the tlme you'll consider my worth in this ' house, but I m not going to gwe a helping hand. John Bull: You know all about her plans? El~zabeth: She'll be my witness if she can be seen al~ve. John Rull: Stop that. you fool! Stop kilhng my heart with those frightening words! I!lizabeth Yes. I may be fool now, hut you're ,more than me in the past. John Bull: It's useless exchanging words with you here. (EXIT JOHN BULL) Elizabeth: You have not seen anything yet. This is the beginning! CURTAIN FALLS. SCENE EIGHT In Karlv's Room MAGI AND KATTY. �has Katty;;. ,_kjg~lr,-mother announced the news to your -. .. father. . . .. Magi:' True 1 Yes.. And I learnt' that he's G r r i i d aljout it. Kattv: ~a$: Well, I bother less about his knowing of it. I must go back this night. I i is Keni who is delaying my going. Afterall, I have been out from home since afternoon. None of them knew my whereabout. even my mother. Katty, Why? you have a big heart, I tell you! Well, forget all about it now. Did you see him Magi, at home? Katty, Yes, He'll be here in a few minutes time, ( E N T E R RENI) Oh! look, he's just come in time! What's is it again, Magi? Why? anything wrong? Keni, Have I worried you so much, my Keni ? Magi, No, not at all. my love! Your worry, if it can Keni, be called worry in the real seme of it, to me js just the greatest moment of joy t o me, my love. Oh! if we go on like this, things will he very Magi: good for us. And if you can keep on understanding my feelings as you do at present, our life as husband and wife will be very interesting and joyful. Hope that I'm with you at any moment, darling Keni: and you'll not be disappornted! (addressing Katty) Please, Katty you can give Magi: us chance now for eome minutes. You're free to go on as long as you wish *it[]Katty: out being interrupted. (EXIT RATTY) Now, Keni, my love listen to me clearly. I don't Magi: want you to break down here. Whatever you may hear now, bear it as a man in your neart. Don't be afraid of anything and I don't want you to. If you like you take it, but if you don't, you may go and leave me to my fate, but never you forget that you once had a girl who loved you so much and died for your love. ~ ~ 57 �Why all' fhis;'" Magi?-: You have.pot been speak. Keni:. ing as' you're doing now. IS a bad thing going to happen, my dear? If so and it will affect your precious life, be assured that I'm going down in the grave with you,-if theri's no way to present such a thing. Oh! l'm back to myself again! I'm once more, Magi ' alife. If not for you. I would have gone back to the irlvislble world of spirits. But you're still at my side and fans the air of life intc, my heart. Keni: Re assured, my love and my live, Magi, that I'm with you and and will continue to d o so as long as there's life. Magi: I m happy now, my love The whole truth is ' that I'm expecting a baby for you. It is the first fruit of our love. That's why I have sent for you. Keni: What! So soon? Yes, isn't it sood so? Magi: 1 won't desert you, my dear. Keni: Thank you so much, that's all I want to hear Magi: from you. But what I want to let you know again is-erKeni: how can I explain it well to you? You mean about the bride price? Magi: Keni: Yes, actually! Well, don't worry s o much about it. I hope you Magi: keep that money I gave .you last time in a safe place? Yes, nothing has happened to it. Keni: Magi: Well. I want you to come withit lo our house about twoweek's time. You'll use it to pay my bride price to my faiher, if a t all he'll demand any. But be ready, you're 'going to meet something that day. Keni: Don't worry about anything. I shall come in time t o defend you from any attack, darling. Magi: Thank you very much, my love-that's all I want to tell you now. You ca? go now. ' 58 �6.K; take heart my love. Ken? Don't worry any more. You have satisfied my Magi: curiosity. Yes, bat don't you let anybody into the secret of that money, even to your parents. Keni: I'll never betray you, my love. Goodbye! Magi: O.K! My love. (EXIT KENI) Oh! he's quite a man to have as a husband! I have not made any mistaken in my choice! CURTAIN FALLS. SCENE NINE In Ozuru: John BUN'S House (he calls) Ikem! Ikem! where are you, Ikem? (ENTER IKEM) (sweating) You call me sir? I don come. Ikem: John Bull Yes, where have you been all the while I have been calling you? Ikem: Na from kitchen I de come now, sir. Madam tell me say you de calling me, make I come now sir. John Bull: Yes, I called you, has she returned? I rnear? Magi! Ikem: Ah! I no seeing her since she now returned yet, sir. John Bull: Nobody has seen her. But you have no idea of where she has gone? Ah! no fit make out, sir. She get trick plenty. Ikem: John Bull: When you go back to the kitchen, tell madam that I want to see her now. Ikem: Yes, sir. (EXIT IKEM) John Ball: What kind of temptation is this? What can I call it? Where has she gone? What's wrong with Magi? What's worrying her? I have money and can buy her anything she likes. Why do she preferred to �marry a poor fellow instead of the son af a rich man? I wonder what she's up to. And it seems to me that her mother knows all about her secrets, but she won't tell me where her daughter has been since. Yes, she's supposed to know he steps than I do, but she pretends to know not. I'm tired of all these things! But if she commits suicide now, uho will be blamed for it? Sometimes she may drop a suicide note and say that I'm the cause of her death. That I d~dil'tallow her to marry the man of her choice-her love -she may term it. And people will blame me so much for it! Oh! how can 1 face the blam: of people? And it may be published in the newspapers with bold letters! How where are you Magi! can I withstand such a s~ght-oh! Come back to your Papa! (ENTER ELIZABETH) Elizabeth What is it my dear? You sent for me, not so? Ozuru Yes, come in, I sent for you. Have you seen Magi? Elizabeth: No, I have not. John Bull: True? Elizabeth: Yes. John Bull: You see I can't sleep soundly this night without seeing Magi come back this night. Now is eight o'clock and shc's no where to be found. We must go at once to police station and give complain. This I S above me. You see I'm begmning to get worried ' over the whole affalr. Elizabeth: This is a situtation in which I found myself with no idea whatsoever for its solution. Infact, I have already started to entertain some fear about the whole thing. John Bull: The only idea I have now about it is to go to the police station and give report or notice, whith you may choose tocall it. I'm gettingtired about it all! Elizabeth: I think we better wait for some more minutes before that, to avoid giving false information to the police. You know they're going to publish it in the newspapers the moment it reaches them. 4nd if after �, . . . ~ , that she cdmes back without being found by the pelice or by any other person, for that matter, you know it's going to be a scandal in town. John Bull. Bu: 1 can't control myself any longer! This is paining me so much, but you don't know. (ENTER M A G I ) Oh! what an I seeing? Come back to me, my daughter Magi. Magi: Yes, it has not starred to pain you any way. You're just shedding crocodile tears! Elizabeth: Dont' you see now, if we had informed the police about it, what would have been our position now? John Bull: Come back to me, Magi-come back to your senses. It's not good talking like that. Magi, Well, I'm with my senses, and I know what I'm doing. You thought that I had gone out io covmit . suicide because I'm expecting a baby for my dear love-no! I will never do so, for my love is with me at any moment. Elizabeth: What's the cause of all this! Magi? Why? are you running mad? Magi: I'm not, but those who think 1 am, will first find themselves going naked in public, hut, 1'11 remain as you see me now, pitying them, if at all they will deserve my pity. John Bull: I hope you're not cursing me. Magi? Elizabeth: Please, go into my room, Magi. You're so tired to stand here and exchange words with your father. Magi: I'm not going to rest now. By the way, what kind of father is he? A father who don't want happiness for his daughter? A father who is threatening t o disown his daughter if she happens t o marry the man she loves? With nojust reason other than that he's from a poor family. Now I have come back to this house only t o give you the chance to do whatever you like now with me. Hut I'm happy that my love is with me. I'm expecting a baby for him. If you kill me now, you know that you have commited double murder! �Elizabeth; Stop so far, Magi! Will you get out and go to my room! This is not how to do it! (and she directs Magi out of the room) she needs rest now, you see? John Bull: Yes, actually. Something is worrying her now. CURTAIN FALLS. SCENE TEN In Keni's Room KEN1 AND FELI Feli: Hello! friend, cheer up. I have a good news from the dream world of lovers! Welcome, Feli, how do you do? keni: Feli: N o trouble at present. Nothing to think about, you see? Oh! my goodness! but you're looking so gloomy, Keni. Why? Nothing-I mean nothing, you see. Keni: Well, if you're hiding anything from me now, I won't do l~kew~se you. 1 can tell you that Im just to ' from Katty now. She's quite a nice girl. Keni. Is that so? Feli: Yes, I have started to [drink the wine of love. Keni: Yotlr own experience may be d.fferent from mine, you understand ? Feli: Yes, I do. She's quite a nice girl. I can tell you! Keni: Yes, Please did she tell you anything about Magi? Feli: Nothing, what's it. Keni: N o news about her? Feli: Nothing. Is she missing? Keni: No. It nothing of that sort. Feli: Ah! many things do happen nowadays-don't blame me for having asked as you did-after all so many things actually do happen these days. The whole truth about my question is that I want to know whetner you have heard about it-you know Magi is expecting a baby for me! Feli 62 �Feli: Is that so, do you mean if? Keni: I'm telling you the truth. nothing but the truth. I mean it to the last words of it. Feli: Well, if it's why you were looking so gloomy the time I came in, I can advise you to cheer up! it's no evil. Keni:b I'm not thinking about anything of that kind. I must welcome my first child with joy and happiness. After all, we shall get married before its arrival. Magi: I have not come to see who will marry me. I should welcome them, but I am sorry I won't give him my hand in marriage for I have already g o t married to my love who is with me at any moment Johnbull: Shut up, what are you talking? Magi. Yes, you won't understand because I refused to marry Bonny who is the son of a rich man and chief. I'm sorry to say that I don't love yotl Bonny and therefore, should never accept to be your wife under any circumstance and pressure. Chief Ben: What are we waiting again? Bonny, let's go, we have failed. Needless wasting t ~ m e This is a matter where love reigns supreme. Bonny: Well, I have no objection to your wish, Magi. If you love another person then I, I'll never be an int~uder, if afterwards you reconsider to come to but me I shall bc very glad to receive you. Chief Ben: That's it, my son. Magi; Well thank you very much, Bonny and C h i e f lgboanu. This is because you understand the language of love. Rut, the fact, and the only fact of the whole affair is that I have already decided to marry the only man I love. Johnbull; Who is this man that you love? What's his name? I want to know. Magi; Well, he's no other person than Keni, the son of Joseph, and if you to see him now, he'll be around. 63 �(EN.!.:!+ K.ELNO. Chief Ben: O h , . he's the son of my good 'friend, Joseph. Welcome, my boy. He's a good match to her. This is my son, Bonny. Keni: Oh, thank you very much, Bonny. How do you do:, Bonny: Nothiilg is wrong-that you so much. Magi: See where you're now! ,what objection ha;e you about it. Papa? Chief Ben: He can't obiect it, Magi. Your choice is a very good one. L&S go my son, Bonny. (Exit chirf Ben and Bonny) Johnbull: This is wonderful indeed. Keni; Now I have come to pay the bride price, and after that I wish you to bless our marriage. Johnbull: You're not going to pay the bride price, my son I want you to live in peace with my daughter. Your marriage have already been l~lessedby the Almighty God. Magi, you and your lo+e have won! Magi: Im very happy now that you have come to realise ' the true worth of love! CURTAIN FALLS "1 c Oh, have you made arrangement with her? Keni It's her will to become my wife. Feli: Oh, things will be alright then. Keni: Yes, but what remains now is my parents-I have not informed them about it. And i don't k n o w how far they are going to receive it with happy heart. Feli: That's a simple thing to do. If you're determined with your choice and decision, they won't present a difficult case in the least. G o ahead with your plan, boy. I wish you goodluck! Keni: Thank you very much for that. We shall see again But mind how you drink the wine of your lover! Feli: 0 K., goodbye, Keni: See you again. Exit Feli (alone) �Keni: So this is how it starts? This life is full of steps and stages! Soon. I should be called the father of a child! And from there I should begin to raise a family of my own. (ENTER JOSEPH) Joseph: Look, what are you thinking about, Keni? Do you know the time I came in? Keni: Oh, Papa! Infact, I don't know that it's you. I thought that it was another person. Oh, I have a very serious and important matter that occupied my whole <thoug!?t. Joseph: What's it, my son? You're thinking about the ' love of Magi the rich man's daughter, I hope? You're going to drap dead one day because, of her. Keni: Yes, I'm thinking a b o u t her now, but I'm not going to regret it. Things are beginning to shape themselves to our favour. Joseph: You know I have no money to pay for her bride price. Rich pesple marry rich men's daughters. It's only the son of a rich man who can marry Mzgi. You don't know her father, Johnbull. He's a very rich man and very very proud of himself. How do you think that he'll allow you to marry h e r daughter? Please, I don't want trouble here-I'm not rich, and therefore, don't want to compete with rich people. Keni: Don't fear about the money for' the bride price, things; will be alright. We have agreed to marry ourselves. Joseph: What? do you want to tell me that you have the money for the bride price now? Keni: Don't worry about that, only promise me t h a t you'll receive her as my wife when she comes. Joseph: Did you steal the money or what? Keni: Oh, for goodness' sake! don't talk what w i 11 stop anncy me now, Papa. Please, I'm not a thief, Papa suggesting that I might have stolen the money. 65 �Joseph: What do you want me t c d o then? I won't 'say that again.Keni: Thank you very much. Magi doesn't d o what some daughters of rich men do. She's auite a nice woman. shewrespects people and is will~ng learn from anyto body, whether rich or poor. Joseph: Until I see her manners, then 1'11 know what to do. Keni: Well, I want to tell you now that she's expecting a baby for me, Papa. Joseph: What!-what do you say? Who will give you the money for the bride price? You don't fall where .you can be seen. Keni: Well, don't worry about that. Just keep calm and you will see what is-going to happen. Joseph: 1 have nothing :o say again - y o u know how you are going all about it. - (EVTER M A R Y ) Oh, come and hear what's is going on, Onyema. Your son is not very hear here as you see him so. 'Mary: What is it, any trouble? Joseph: Ask him to tell you. I donot know how toexplain it to you. Mary: Well, what is it, my son. Keni? Please tell me, . anything wrong? Keni: No, Mama...-it's no bad news. Mary: What's. it then? Keni: I shall be getting married very soon. Marv: Get married? ~ e n f : Yes. Mama. Mary: ~ i i h whom? Keni: With Magi. Keni: The daughter of Johnbull. Mary: Are you still after her? Are you still made for -her lovd? Keni: I can tell you that she is expecting a:baby for me now. Mary: What! A baby, you say? �Keni: Yes. Mary: Well, I won't blame you so much, but where can you get the money for the bride price? Johnhull: Can you claim any amount f r o m hundred pounds upward. Joseph: That was what I have been asking him since. Keni: You'll not have to bother about the bride price. Just promise me that you're going to receive her well a ~ d treat her as the wite of your son. Mary: What? Keni: Yes. Mary Well, you can be assured of my earnest co-operation as yo11 have asked of me. Keni: Thank you very much for th~s, Mama. Joseph: But I wonder! Mary: Stop wondering any longer. After all it is not a bad thing. Keni: Oh, thank you very much Mama! Your words of encouragement to me can't be forgotten. Joseph: Yes. i know that you'll praise her so much, because she supports you now. Mary: And why shouldn't we support him'! At least, he needs our moral support in this matter, as we're unable to give him financial support. Keni: Oh, thank you once more for that, Mama! Mary: Yes, be assured of our moral support to you in this your venture. Joseph: We wish you every luck in this your business of life! Keni: Thank you so much Papa. CURTAIN FALLS SCENE ELEVEN (Johnbull and his wife Elizaberh) John: What is she doing now? I hope she's making some progress? Elizabeth: What I know is that she's not sick and she has not complained to me about any. �Johnbull: . Have you any idea about what w ~ u l d beher ...... beh.ayiour,,when. Ch&f Ben comes,+qday with'his::S&i, , . . _., g ld &me. Bonny?'. Y + - know it- ii't,day th's t h i. ' s h ~ __.__ . Elizabeth: Oh, 'is' it '-tod!&? Johnbull: Yrs, what do you think s,&' w.dl. d o ? i'ii&e she's not going to disappoint us again? Be alrtght. We have agreed to marry ourselves. Joseph: What'! Do you want to tell me that you hai'e the money for the bride price now? Keni: Don't worry about that, only promise me that you'll receive her we:l as my wife when she comes. Joseph: Did you steal the money or what'! Keni Oh, for goodnkss' sake! Don't talk what w i l l ancoy me now, Papa. Please, I'm not a thief, Papa stop suggesting that I might have stolen the money. Joseph: What do you want me to do t h e n ? I won't say that again. Keni: Thank you very much. Magi doesn't do what some daughters of rich m a do. She's quite a n i c e woman. She respects pzople and is w~llingto learn from anytody wthether rich or poor. Joseph: Until I see her manners, then I will know what t o do. Keni: Well, I want t o tell you now that she's expecting a baby for me, Papa. Joseph: What! Whit do you say? Who w~llgive y o u the money for the bride mice? You don't fall where you can be seen. Keni: Well, don't worry about that. Just keep calm and you'll see what is going to happen. Joseph: I have no:h;ng to say again you know how you're going all about it. (EVTER MARY) Oh, come and hear what is going on, Onyema. Your son is not very near here as you him so. Mary: What is it, any trouble? Jozeph: Ask him to tell you. I don't know how to explain it to you. Mary, Well, what's it, my son, Keni? Please tell me, anything wrong? C _ _ _ , ,,_:..i �Keni: No, Mama -it's no bad news. Mary: What's it then? Keni: I shall be getting married very soon. Mary: Get married? Keni: Yes, Mama. Mary: With whom? Keni: With Magi? Mary: Which Magi? Keni: The daughter of Johnbull. Mary: Are you still after her? Are you still mad for her love? Keni: I can tell you that she's expecting a baby for me now. Mary: What! A baby, you say? Keni: Yes., Mary: Well, I won't blame you so much, but where can you get the money for the bride price? Johnbull: Can claim any amount from hundred pounds upward. Joseph: That was what I have been asking him since. Keni: You'll not have to bother about the bride price. Just promise me that you're going to receive her well and treat her as the wife of your son Mary: What? Keni: Yes. Mary: Well, you can be assured of my earnest co-operation as you have asked of me. Keni: Thank you very much for this, Mama. Joseph: But I wonder! Mary: Stop wondering any longer. After all it is not a bad thing. Keni: Oh, thank you very much Mama! Your words of encouragement to me can't be forgotten. Joseph: Yes, I know that you'll praise her so much, because she supports you now. 69 �Mary: And why shouldn't we support him? At least, he needs our moral support in this matter, as we're unable to give h ~ m financial support. Keni: Oh, thank you once more for that, Mama! Mary: Yes, be assured of our moral support to you in this your venture. Joseph: We wish you every luck in this your busmess of life! Keni: Thank you so much, Papa. CURTAIN FALLS SCENE ELEVEN (Johnbull and his wife Elizabeth) Johnbull: What is she doing now, I hope she's making some progress? Elizabeth: What I know is that she's not sick and she has not complained to me about any. Johnbull: Have you any idea about what would be her behaviour when Chief Ben comes today with his son, Bonny7 You know it is today that they should come. Elizabeth: Oh, is it today? Johnbull: Yes, what do you think she will do? I hope she's not going to disappoint us again? Elizabeth: Well, I don't know what will be her next line of action. Her general behaviour cannot be predicted. Infact, 1 can tell you now that I don't know what she's going to do ln the next hour. But if may suggest, it is better to allow her to marry the man of her choice this time that she's expecting a b a b y. There'll be no gain in forcing her to marry against her will. Johnbull: Are you sure she's expecting a baby? Elizabeth: Yes, she said so and I believe her. Johnbull: That's quite a lie! I don't believe it. I know her trick. Where's she by thc way? Elizabeth: She's in the kitchen. Do you want her now? Johnbull: Yes, call her. Wait, where's Ikem? send him to go and call her. (ENTER MAGI) - �Elizabeth: Oh look, she's just come without being calledI wonder! Magi: What's it, Mama? Elizabeth: Nothing- I say noth~ng. Johnbull: I hope you remember that Chief Hen and his son Bonny are to coming this hcuse today? Magi: As your quests I hope? Johnbull: Why-and -/ours as well! Magi. Well, count me out. Johnbull: Why mag^? Why are you so obstinate? Can't you reason well? Magi: I don't want to exhaust myself before the real combat. (Exit Magi with anger) Elizabeth: You have seen what 1 was telling you before - . she came. Johnbull: Well. that's no vroblem now. lonlv w i s h . they have arrived now.Elizabeth: Oh, look they havejust arrived! (Enter Chief Ben and his son B m n y ) Johnbull: Oh, you're just welcome in my house. How do you do Chief Ben? Chief Ben: I no do any de. Johnbull: You're wonderful, well things will be alright today. Chief Ben: We no wan delay like last time. We go go another place after this. Make you go call her now. No be so my son? Bonny: You're alright, Papa. (Re-enter M a g i ) Johnbull: Oh, she's here already! Welcome them, Magi you're so beautiful nowadays! Welcome Chief Ben and his son, Bonny, who is going to marry you. Magi: I have not come to see who will marry me. I should welcome them, but I am sorry I won't give him my hand in marriage for I have : i h a d y got married to my love who is with me at any moment. Johnbull: Shut up! What are talking? Magi: Yes, you won't understand because I refused to marry Bonny who is the son of a rich man and chief. 71 �I m sorry tosay that. I don't love you ,Bonny. .and ' therefore, should never accept to Se your. wife under any circumstanc: and pressure! Chief Ben: What are we waiting again, Bonny? Let's go, we have failed. Needless wasting time. This is a matter where love reigns supreme. Bonny: Well, I have no o'jection to your wish, Magi. If you love another persm than I. I'll never be an intruder, but if afterwards you reconsider to come to me I shall be very glad to receive you. Chief Ben: That's it, my son! Magi: We, thank you very much, Bonny and Chief Igboanu. This is because you understand the language of love. But, t'-e fact, and the only fact o f the whole affair is that I have already deided to marry the only man I love. Johnbull: Who is this man that you love? What's his name? I want to know. Magi: Well, he's no other person than Keni, the son of Joseph! And if you want to see him now he'll be around (ENTER KENI) Chief Ben: Oh, he's the son of my good friend, Joseph. Welcome, my boy. He's a good match to her! This is my son Ronny! Keni: Oh. thank you very much, Bonny How do you do? -is Bonny: ~ o t h i n g wrong-thank you so mvch: Magi: See where you're now! What objection have you about it, papa? Chief Ben: He can't object it, Magi. Your choice is a very good one. Letk go my son, Bonny. (Exit Chref Ben and Bonny) Johnbull: This is wonderful indeed! Keni: Now I have come to DAY the bride - iee.. and after that I wish D you to bless our marrhb. Johnbull: You're not going to pay the bride price, my son. I want my you to live in peace w ~ t h daughter. Your marriage have already been blessed by the Alm~ghtGod. Magi, you and your love have won! Magi: -7% very happy now that you have come to realise the true worth of love! CURTAIN FALLS THE END. �; , * . .... *., .... ... . -. . .:.. Ordqv your ~ s ~ i c a rnovels from a . - J. I_ . , ...... a-_____ z 'L . . I L . . I- C ORDTUERS OOOXSWOC, . No. 30 Okwuenu Street, Fegge-3nitsh-a. Nigeria. -. ... .... .. ? i 1 Never tiust all that lore you 2s‘d 2 The way to avoid poverty 2s 6d 3 How t : ~know pr.werhs and many things 3s 6d 4 Man uorks hard for m o ~ ~ e y 2s 6d 5 The game of love .. 2s 6d 6 T h i n s worth knowing in-questions and answers 2s 6d 7 How to study English, Ibo, Hausa, 2: 6d and Ycruba 8 Our modern love leters 2s 6d 9 Why boys never trust money-monger- $;Is 2s 6d 10 What women are thinking about men 2s 6d 11 Ibo made easy in English lavguage 2s 6d 12 How to write important letters, applications and asreements . .. 3.6d 13 How to study good Englisti,~Notice'letters,. Better se~tencesand Compsitibn .. .'{: . . 2 6d s 14 Hausa to .speak to girls an& w$~.their:~lqvc2s6d 15 The trial and judgement cif-ChteF A w ~ w o . 2 $ . 6d 16 .The life st@y and death k & KenF&. $# 61 17 How to write Applicjtions, . Q .. fctier3'::% Agreements T6legrams; Bussinesn . elce&.3r Compositions Love*letters and Toast. .". -.;i,i,...: ..,-- --. x , Read j C. B a d t s for the,,follewiYIg .reasons'?$ ; ~. ,. . , % : , ;.B;q6d * . + %. - ~. 1 T h y will lgach 'kou maBy tbingsZwh;chj&?do . . . $:-.:... .* . . .. * :-. I...c+. ... $biz-know. T: 2 Cohstaot:rea?Thg w i .~ ~ a ~ s o v : . . ...... education. 3 Ir$er~st.ing aoyels 6iil ilispire .-. . . - .< v 19 Emodi Street, onitsha. �H O W TO WRITE AND REPLY LETTERS FOR MARRIAGE, ENGAGEMENT LETTERS, LOVE LETTERS ASD HOW TO KNOW A GIRL TO MARRY I f you know bow to writr intereking love letters, you must marry a beautiful girl of your wish. ' � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Full text of the pamphlet Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Onitsha Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource How to write and reply letters for marriage, engagement letters, love letters, and how to know a girl to marry Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abiakam, J. Type The nature or genre of the resource Onitsha market literature Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Onitsha, Nigeria : J.C. Brothers Bookshop Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource ca. 1963? Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Nigerian literature (English) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context ksrl.c3280 Description An account of the resource This is a how-to pamphlet where "you will learn the styles and ways to write "letters that are "very interesting and reasonable, and the English very educative," (pg.4). Abiakam advises his readers to "Read and recommend to your friends one by one and they must never forget you," (pg.4). The author cautions his male readers by telling them that "money alone cannot make you happy," for "children and long life is very important," (pg.5). He includes a brief section on "How to know a girl to marry," however the bulk of the pamphlet's advice consists of sample letters that appear on pages 7-35. The author claims to have three important types of letters to teach: 1) letters for marriage; 2) engagement letters; and 3) love letters, (pg.5). Both the front and back cover have interesting illustrations about writing letters and knowing a girl to marry.<br /><br />The remainder of the pamphlet is a play, "Rich Man's Daughter," by Raja Raphael, (pg.35-72). This play's inclusion with these letters seems obvious because the play deals with the power of romantic love over arranged marriages and the power of love to surmount differences in class and wealth. This is a common theme in the letters as well.<br /><br />The opening scene sets up a confrontation between John Bull and his daughter Magi that serves as the play's source of conflict and action. However, this first scene also begins to establish class confrontations through initial characterizations. Language serves as a means to develop the differences between the classes and the sides of the confrontation. John Bull and his daughter Magi speak in nearly standardized English compared to their servant Ikem's pidgin. Keni, Magi's lover, and his friend Feli also speak a standardized English. However, Keni's parents, Mary and Joseph, speak something closer to pidgin initially. Additionally, the names identify the more elite and westernized characters: John Bull and Magi Bull rather than a Nigerian name such as Ikem.<br /><br />Magi and her father argue over which man she will marry. John Bull has chosen Bonny, a chief's son, as the future husband, and he has initiated the negotiations to seal the deal. Magi, however, has selected another man that she loves. Both have strong plans and know that they will win and make the other see reason. John Bull has his servant, Ikem, spy on Magi and follow her around. In the end, it is Magi's machinations that win over her father. She Reveals that she is pregnant to her mother, who then warns John Bull to accept his daughter's wishes. Fearing that she will commit suicide or have an abortion, he agrees that she should marry the man of her choice. Both Bonnie and his father, the Chief, are also quite enamored with Keni, her chosen partner.<br /><br />Keni and his family are characterized as good people. Keni is identified as a proper husband and partner for Magi, who in turn will make a good wife, for she does not "do like the daughter of a rich man," (pg.43). Magi will make a good obedient wife. Other gendered characterizations are also of interest. For Example, men in this play expect women to be soft and sweet. Women are literally like sugar. Feli: <em>What makes her sweet? She tastes like sugar or salt? ...O.k. Until that day, so that I can get a packet of sugar for my own use. Keni: And give another packet of sugar to her so that two of you can taste sweet to each other,</em> (pg.47-48).<br /><br />Women, on the other hand, perceive men to be deceptive and manipulative.However, they still find themselves interested in the game of love. Katty: <em>Some young men may appear very charming outside, but inside their heart, they are as black as coal about love. ... Magi: That's one thing wrong with men. When you are after them, they will start to dodge you. I tell men know how to keep women in great expectations when in love,</em>&nbsp;(pg.49).<br /><br />This play uses intrigue to prove the importance of romantic love. Yet it still emphasizes the cultural values embedded within Igbo society. In the end, Keniis a good match for Magi because of his character and his family's character rather than his wealth.<br /><br />* Note that this play has some scenes printed out of sequence and several repeated scenes. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. However, for this Item, either (a) no rights-holder(s) have been identified or (b) one or more rights-holder(s) have been identified but none have been located. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-RUU/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-RUU/1.0/</a> https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/c45aa81089c586548babc8fe83e682ce.jpg 8c76741d848896c43b3c97a837864277 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource More than Skin Deep Subject The topic of the resource LibArt 2025 Description An account of the resource This self-portrait captures an intimate moment of transformation—not for the world, but for myself. As I apply makeup in the mirror, it’s not about concealing or conforming; it’s about creation, ritual, and self-expression. The mirror reflects more than just my face—it reflects my agency, my artistry, and the small, intentional ways I reclaim my image as my own. Society often dictates beauty as performance, but here, the act is private, personal, and deeply mine. This piece challenges the idea that makeup is only for external validation, instead celebrating it as an extension of self, a quiet power, a moment of becoming. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Addie Bramlage Visual Communication major Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Held by Creator Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Charcoal on paper 18" X 24" https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/c70323252c0bf6352649d5578e7ef0cb.jpg 79c04a077e2cda49255610dd141a96bb Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Nature's Grip Subject The topic of the resource LibArt 2025 Description An account of the resource This ceramic piece explores the unstoppable force of nature reclaiming what humanity builds. The man's face, visibly distorted under the pressure of a single leaf, symbolizes the inevitability of nature’s resurgence. Over time, even the strongest man-made structures fade, erode, and become part of the earth again. The leaf, though delicate in appearance, represents the quiet power of nature—patient, persistent, and ultimately dominant. This work serves as a reminder that no matter how much we shape the world, nature always finds a way to take back what was once hers. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Addie Bramlage Visual Communication major Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Held by Creator Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Ceramic 13" X 12" https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/796488e82390f03211e0c08e26ca84c8.jpg b0480b177420fbba0483709ac4c66f81 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fortune Sides With Him Who Dares Subject The topic of the resource LibArt 2025 Description An account of the resource "Fortune Sides With Him Who Dares" is a self-portrait that delves into the relationship between fate and courage. The glowing orb in my hands represents the unknown—our future, choices, and risks. The fortune teller theme adds mystery, but the title challenges the idea of simply waiting for fate. Instead, it’s about taking action and shaping our own path. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Addie Bramlage Visual Communication major Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Held by Creator Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Charcoal on paper 18" X 24" https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/64a2c053456b0733dbdb650a9d584110.jpeg a589e1c602db14b3c116d0595177bfbc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource LibArt 2022 Subject The topic of the resource 2022 LibArt Exhibition images Description An account of the resource Sudent art submissions to the 2022 LibArt Exhibition Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bumble Bee on Lavender Subject The topic of the resource LibArt 2022 Description An account of the resource Part of the Bee collection, this honey bee was collecting pollen from a group of lavender flowers. Never landing, I was able to capture this image of the bee by chance after following her for five minutes. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Addy Kemp Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2022 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Held by creator Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Photography https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/files/original/f42955958de03e5f4deee562689ae462.jpeg 7ff68a996b11fef318f9ba5dd14064b8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource LibArt 2022 Subject The topic of the resource 2022 LibArt Exhibition images Description An account of the resource Sudent art submissions to the 2022 LibArt Exhibition Still Image A static visual representation. Examples of still images are: paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type "text" to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Honey Bee on Vervain No. 2 Subject The topic of the resource LibArt 2022 Description An account of the resource Part of the Bee collection, this honey bee was collecting pollen from a group of Purpletop Vervain flowers. Following her as she progressed, I was able to take this image and one other. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Addy Kemp Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2022 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Held by creator Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Photography