and went into a house. He was provided with food, and his 'man' put to sleep with some boys who beat him soundly. When Ananse saw what had been done he wept very much, and said to his host:
"Three years ago, I was sent by Ananse kokuroko to fetch this man, for the world about to be created is to be put on him. You and the king of the town had better go to Ananse."
Not a soul was left in the town, all arose and followed Ananse, who sang:
"Mede brofŭa m'agye akoko
Mede akoko m'agye nantwi;
Mede nantwi m'agye efunu
Mede efunu agye kŭro-man."[1]
The company appear before the Creator, who with his councillors is astonished at Ananse's success, and he announces that in future Anyankosem shall be called Anansesem.
II
Spider's Tales from the Akwapim District.
In olden times "spider's tales" were called "God's tales."
One day the spider went to God and begged him to let God's tales be called spider's tales. This was agreed to, providing Ananse brought three things: an earthen vessel full of bees, a tiger and a large snake.
That very day the spider took an earthen pot to a place where he knew the bees passed. After a few minutes he saw the bees coming and began a conversation with himself.
"These bees will not fill this pot."
"They will fill the pot."
"They will not fill the pot;" and so on.
The bees asked what was the matter with him.
"Yesterday, God said you bees would not fill this pot, and I said you would, so I beg you will all go in and let me see, and I will pay you for it."
- ↑ I have won a cock with one grain,
An ox for a cock,
My ox wins me a dead body,
My corpse brings me a town's population.
