Yes, my father, there I lay, and on me were the ashes, and among the ashes were the bones.

Thus, then, did I lie for the last time in my kraal, and was sheltered from the frost of the night by the dust of those to whom I had given life.

Such were the things that befell us in the days of Chaka, my father; yes, not to me alone, but to many another also.
I lay among the ashes and groaned with the pain of my burn, and groaned also from the desolation of my heart.

Why had I not tasted the poison, there in the hut of Chaka, and before the eyes of Chaka?
Why did I not taste it now and make an end?
Nay, I had endured the agony; I would not give him this last triumph over me.

Now, having passed the fire, once more I should be great in the land, and I would become great.