41vf the fence, climbed the fo' ui tree, swung out cn a branch th.lt
hung over the compound, jumped down and in a very few minutes
reached the object of his desire. It is well known even today
that no woman can resist Vava' u' 5 "handsome men." There is no
record of Talafaiva' s having tried to do so. In spite of his
pulchritude, Lepuha was that nasty creature, a "kiss and tell
boy," so when he had taken his pleasure with Talafaiva, he tatooed
her stomach with his special mark and having done so, left her.
That evening Telea and his men returned home, triumphant with
canoes full of fish. Naturally, the first thing he thought of was
boasting to his queen and enjoying her admiration and her favors.
But when he saw the tell tale mark on her stomach, his love turned
to rage. Bitterly he asked her why she had allowed such a thing.
She was all innocence. "It was not I who allowed it. The fo'ui
did it." Since that time "The fa' ui did it" has hecome a
proverbial Tongan saying for those who don't accept responsibility
for their own actions. Needless to say, it did not placate Telea.
Calling his servant, Auka, he ordered him to beat his erring wife.
A few hours later, he called Auka again and asked him if he
had done his command.
"I have", the faithful servant replied.
"And how is the queen?"
"Dead."
Rage and grief burst from Telea. He had only wanted to teach
his favorite a lesson. He had certainly not wanted her killed.
He ordered a fine tomb built for her and sat for two days and two
nights beside her dead body pouring out his tears.