Ah! my father, those were evil days to live in when Chaka ruled, and death met us at every turn! Then no man might call his life his own, or that of his wife or child, or anything.

All were the king's, and what war spared that the witch-doctors took.
The morning dawned heavily, and before it was well light the heralds were out summoning all to the king's Ingomboco.

Men came by hundreds, carrying short sticks only--for to be seen armed was death--and seated themselves in the great circle before the gates of the royal house.
Oh! their looks were sad, and they had little stomach for eating that morning, they who were food for death.

They seated themselves; then round them on the outside of the circle gathered knots of warriors, chosen men, great and fierce, armed with kerries only.

These were the slayers.
When all was ready, the king came out, followed by his indunas and by me.