Comprehension : Rotimi and Juli by Eguriase S. M. Okaka

Comprehension By Eguriase S. M. Okaka Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow. Rotimi and Juli The two chief families in Ife were the rich Abiolas and Diyas. An old quarrel between these families had grown to great height and they were such enemies that even their followers and servants could not meet with exchanging fierce words which sometimes caused blood to flow. Old Lord Abiola gave a great supper, to which many fair ladies and noble lords were invited. All the beautiful women of Ife were present and all corners were made welcome if they were not of the house of Diyas. At the feast of the Abiolas Jumai, a lady loved by Rotimi, son of the old Lord Diya, was present. Although it was dangerous for a Diya to be seen in this company, Bello, a friend of Rotimi, persuaded the young lord to go in a mask, so that he might see his Jumai and compare her with some of the lovely women of Ife who (said he) would make her seem less beautiful. Rotimi did not much believe in Bello’s words, yet, because of his love for Jumai, he was persuaded to go; Rotimi was a faithful lover who often could not sleep for thinking of Jumai. But she showed little respect for him and never returned his love. Bello wished to cure his friend of this love by showing him a variety of other ladies. To this feast of Abiola, therefore, young Rotimi with Bello and their friend Kuti went masked. They were welcomed by old Abiola himself who told them there were plenty of ladies for them to dance with. They began dancing and Rotimi was suddenly struck by the great beauty of a lady who danced there. Her beauty shone by night like a rich jewel. She was like a white bird among black ones (he said).