JELEBU CUSTOM AEY SONGS AND SAYINGS. 41 



When 'a lad's folk have found a girl, 

 They bring the matter to her relations. 

 AYhen a girl's folk have found a lad, 

 They bring the matter to his relations. 

 When the pact is made, 

 A token is accepted, 



And the news spread from neighbour to neighbour, 

 The news of the ring token. 

 If the pact is made, 

 Word thereof is sent back ; 

 If the pact falls through, 

 The token is sent back 

 within seven days, or at the latest days twice seven. 

 And the ring sent as token 

 Remains till the bride-fee is paid. 



Foi 



The married state involves maintenance 



And divorce settlement, 



And birth a midwife's fee, 



And marriage the bride-fee 



Bride-fee paid, the pact is made fast; 



But the law of nature ordains 



That the fee may be returned 



If there is flaw or blemish in the bride. 



Epilepsy and lunacy annul the pact. 



If the groom break his troth, the bride-fee is forfeit. 



If the bride break her troth, it must be repaid two-fold. 



R. A. Soc, No 78. 



