Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 2, 2025
Well, as I have told you before, the Tulwana were wiped out; of the three thousand or so of them I think only about fifty remained alive after they had annihilated the three of Cetewayo's regiments that set upon them. But as it chanced Magepa was one who survived. "I met him afterwards at old King Panda's kraal and recognised him as having fought by my side.
"'Also, Macumazahn, the husbands of those women at my kraal have been called up to their regiments and if their wives fled to the English they would be killed. Again, the king has sent for nearly all our cattle "to keep them safe." He fears lest we Border Zulus might join our people in Natal, and that is why he is keeping our cattle "safe." "'Life is more than cattle, Magepa.
Then they began to hunt me, but, Macumazahn, I who am named "The Buck," because I am swifter of foot than any man in Zululand, outpaced them all and got away safe. "'Well done, Magepa, I said. 'Still, remember the saying of your people, "At last the strong swimmer goes with the stream and the swift runner is run down."
"It was reached at last. With a cry of 'Help me, Macumazahn! Magepa turned, and before the other man could spear him, leapt straight into the deep water. He rose. Yes, the brave old fellow rose and struck out for the other bank, leaving a little line of red behind him. "I rushed, or rather sprang and rolled down to the edge of the stream to where a point of shingle ran out into the water.
She was full of spears before she died, but I got away with the boy. Till your Kaffirs found me I lay hid in the bush, hoping to escape to Natal. Then I ran for the river, and saw you on the farther bank. That was a good saying of yours the swift runner is outrun at last. "That is how Magepa the Buck died.
The path here, I should add, ran past a clump of green bushes; I remember they bore a white flower that smelt sweet, and were backed by some tall grass, elephant-grass I think it was, among which grew mimosa trees. "'Magepa, I said, 'if in truth there is to be fighting, why don't you move over the river one night with your people and cattle, and get into Natal?
"Now Magepa was not more than fifty yards from the bank, with the first hunter about ten paces behind him and coming up rapidly. Magepa glanced over his shoulder and saw, then put out his last strength. For forty yards he went like an arrow, running straight away from his pursuers, until he was within a few feet of the bank, when he stumbled and fell.
I have known the face of war and seen many a little one like my grandson Sinala assegaied upon his mother's back. "'Very good. But if I do this for you, you must do something for me. Say, Magepa, does Cetewayo really mean to fight, and if so, how? Oh yes, I know all you have been telling me, but I want not words but truth from the heart?
Word Of The Day
Others Looking