The King Then Said To Me, "What Is Powder Made Of?" I Began With
Sulphur (Kibriti), Intending To Explain Everything; But The Word
Kibriti Was Enough For Him, And A Second Stick Was Sent For
Kibriti, The Bearer Being Told To Hurry For His Life And Fetch
It.
The king now ordered some high officers who were in waiting
to approach.
They come, almost crouching to their knees, with
eyes averted from the women, and n'yanzigged for the favour of
being called, till they streamed with perspiration. Four young
women, virgins, the daughters of these high officers, nicely
dressed, were shown in as brides, and ordered to sit with the
other women. A gamekeeper brought in baskets small antelopes,
called mpeo - with straight horns resembling those of the
saltiana, but with coats like the hog-deer of India - intended for
the royal kitchen. Elderly gentlemen led in goats as commutation
for offences, and went through the ceremonies due for the favour
of being relieved of so much property. Ten cows were then driven
in, plundered from Unyoro, and outside, the voices of the brave
army who captured them were heard n'yanzigging vehemently.
Lastly, some beautifully made shields were presented, and,
because extolled, n'yanzigged over; when the king rose abruptly
and walked straight away, leaving my fools of men no better off
for food, no reparation for their broken heads, than if I had
never gone there.
22d. - I called on the queen to inquire after her health, and to
know how my men were to be fed; but, without giving me time to
speak, she flew at me again about my men plundering.
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