Philippine Folk-Tales eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 222 pages of information about Philippine Folk-Tales.

Philippine Folk-Tales eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 222 pages of information about Philippine Folk-Tales.

“Alas!” said Somacuel, “if this be true he shall pay well for his boldness.”

The chief hurried home, intending to surprise the offenders.  He carried a fish called ampahan in a bamboo tube full of water, going around by a secret way, so as not to be seen.  On reaching home he went up into the attic to observe what was going on, and found that his informant had told the truth.

Gorong-Gorong and Capinangan were engaged in an affectionate dialogue.  Involuntarily Somacuel spilled some of the water down, and, fearing that he would be discovered, seized a spear that was hidden in the attic and, dropping it down, dexterously ran Gorong-Gorong through the body, killing him instantly.

“Oh, Diva!” exclaimed Capinangan, kneeling beside the inert corpse, “How shall I be able to take it away without being discovered by Somacuel?”

Somacuel, who had not been seen at all, stayed quietly above, watching what Capinangan would do.  Capinangan did not suspect that her husband was there, as he usually did not come home before nightfall.  She tried to take the corpse out for burial, but could not carry the heavy body of her unfortunate lover.  She must conceal it in some way, and it was dangerous for her to call for aid, lest she might be betrayed to her husband.  So she took a knife and cut the body into pieces so that she could take them out and bury them under the house.

After this task was done she managed to wash the blood up.  She became tranquil for a moment, believing she would never be discovered.  Somacuel, however, had observed all, and he formed a plan for punishing his wife as she deserved.  When everything seemed to be calm he crept down, doing his best not to be seen.  At the door he called his wife by name.  Capinangan was afraid, but concealed her fear with a smile.  “Capinangan,” said her husband, “cut this fish in pieces and cook it for me.”

Capinangan was astonished at this command, because she had never before been treated in this way.  They had many slaves to perform such tasks.

“You know I cannot,” she said.

“Why not?” asked her husband.

“Because I have never learned how to cut a fish in pieces nor to cook it,” she replied.

“I am astonished that you don’t know how to cut, after seeing that cutting is your favorite occupation,” said Somacuel.

Capinangan then did not doubt that her husband knew what she had done, so she did as he had bidden.

When dinner was ready the husband and wife ate it, but without speaking to each other.  After the meal, Somacuel told his wife that he had seen all and should punish her severely.  Capinangan said nothing.  A guilty person has no argument with which to defend himself.  Somacuel ordered his servants to throw Capinangan into the sea.  At that time the chief’s will was law.  Neither pleadings nor tears softened his hard heart, and Capinangan was carried down to the sea and thrown in.

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
Philippine Folk-Tales from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.