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Updated: June 15, 2025
Now it chanced that shortly after Chaka had spoken thus, my sister Baleka, the king's wife, fell in labour; and on that same day my wife Macropha was brought to bed of twins, and this but eight days after my second wife, Anadi, had given birth to a son.
When the judgment of those witches was done with, I went and laid me down to sleep while it was yet light, for I can scarcely sleep at all when darkness has swallowed up the world. My sleep has gone from me that sister of thine, Baleka, took my sleep with her to the place of death. I laid me down and I slept, but a dream arose and sat by me with a hooded face, and showed me a picture.
When the king heard that Baleka was sick he did not kill her outright, because he loved her a little, but he sent for me, commanding me to attend her, and when the child was born to cause its body to be brought to him, according to custom, so that he might be sure that it was dead.
As nothing happened, I went on, "For instance, again I think I know or have I dreamed it? that a certain chief, whose mother's name I believe was Baleka by the way, was she not one of Chaka's 'sisters'? has been plotting against that son of Panda who sits upon the throne, and that his plots have been betrayed, so that he is in some danger of his life."
Draw near to them, my brother; creep into their hearts and learn their counsel or teach them yours; so in the end shall Chaka be brought to that gate through which your wives have passed, and where I also am about to tread." Thus Baleka spoke and she was gone, leaving me pondering, for her words were heavy with wisdom.
For the secret was known by two women Unandi, Mother of the Heavens, and Baleka, my sister, wife of the king; and by two more Macropha and Anadi, my wives it was guessed at. How, then, should it remain a secret forever?
I and another, we killed him ah! ah! Why do I tell you this? What has it to do with the loves of Umslopogaas and Nada the Lily? I will tell you. I stabbed Chaka for the sake of my sister, Baleka, the mother of Umslopogaas, and because he had murdered my wives and children. I and Umslopogaas slew Dingaan for the sake of Nada, who was my daughter. There are great names in the story, my father.
Dead are all my house, dead is the Mother of the Heavens all are dead and I myself have been put to the torment by fire," and I held out my withered hand towards her. "Ay, Mopo, my brother," she answered, "but flesh is nearest to flesh, and I should think little of it were not my son Umslopogaas also dead, as I have heard but now." "You speak like a woman, Baleka.
I stopped, and a great shout of laughter went up from all who stood round. "Very well, Mopo and thy sister Baleka," said Chaka, grimly. "Good-morning to you, Mopo and Baleka also, good-night!" "O Chaka," I broke in, "I am Mopo, son of Makedama of the Langeni tribe. It was I who gave thee a gourd of water many years ago, when we were both little.
We stood together alone by the people of the dead and Baleka threw the corner of the kaross about her brows and spoke to me swiftly from beneath its shadow. "What did I say to you a while ago, Mopo? It has come to pass. Swear to me that you will live on and that this same hand of yours shall taken vengeance for me." "I swear it, my sister."
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