Her beauty was awful to look on, but I am glad to have lived to see it as it shone and changed in the shifting robe of light which was her garment.
Now she drew near to us, and Chaka sank upon the earth, huddled up in fear, hiding his face in his hands; but I was not afraid, my father--only the wicked need fear to look on the Queen of Heaven.

Nay, I was not afraid: I stood upright and gazed upon her glory face to face.
In her hand she held a little spear hafted with the royal wood: it was the shadow of the spear that Chaka held in his hand, the same with which he had slain his mother and wherewith he should himself be slain.

Now she ceased her singing, and stood before the crouching king and before me, who was behind the king, so that the light of her glory shone upon us.

She lifted the little spear, and with it touched Chaka, son of Senzangacona, on the brow, giving him to doom.

Then she spoke; but, though Chaka felt the touch, he did not hear the words, that were for my ears alone.
"Mopo, son of Makedama," said the low voice, "stay thy hand, the cup of Chaka is not full.