l o -b e n o u l a . 57
An oppressive subjection was evident among the crowd.
They sat willing, should the potentate so ordain, and
without a word of remonstrance, to see their own brothers
die the death, for here could be found the most vivid illustration
of the axiom, the “ King can do no wrong.” I t was
strangely noticeable that all who passed the circle of
royalty had to cower to the earth, crouching as though they
were about to collapse altogether.
Sunset was approaching, and as everyone, excepting
those immediately connected with the royal household,
were bound to be outside by that time, I was beginning
to fear a further delay; but luckily the crowd dispersed,
and as the king seemed to be in good-humour, Fairbairn
deftly put to him the momentous question. A frank
permission was the response; I was to be allowed to
travel freely through the country. - After this I presented
Lo-ben the sword-knife, giving him at the same time the
promise of a fine bull, for the purchase of which I had
already negotiated.
“ You may go through my country,” he said, “ but it is
very far to the Zambesi.
I thanked him, and bade him good-bye.
“ Glo well, son of the sea,” was his reply.
I thought this parting benediction of old Lo-ben was far
from being devoid of poetry; but strangely enough I soon
had other examples of the exaltation in this respect which
assuredly characterises this remarkable people.
As I walked along with Fairbairn the far-off western sky
blazed resplendently across the heavens its fiery farewell.
The reflected glow of its light gave a crimson richness to
the dome-topped huts of the royal kraal, and gleamed softly
through the jagged spaces of the primitive citadel. The
departing sun told that it was time for us to take our leave,