siRoNr.A PRovEuns. 411 



word seems to have no connection with Ronga) is the name 

 of an old collection of songs accompanying dances, which 

 were peculiar to the clans of the coast, and were performed 

 after harvest, when the storehouses were full. They are 

 fast disappearing. (See Junod, Life of a S.A. Tribe, p. 

 181 fg. Vol. 2.) I understand that the proverb is used 

 when asking a rambling speaker to come to the point. 



62. Ananga ya host a yi mji yala ku fuina. 



The chief's trumpet never refuses to command." 



The chief's words are always orders. He must always be 

 obeyed. 



63. Ankwahla wa tikuluU hi ku Jiupa. 



The quail set himself free by flapping its wings." 



The trapped bird does not tamely submit to capture. It 

 struggles to get free. So the proverb is quoted to encour- 

 age anyone in difficulty or danger. " Never give in I " 

 " Never say die '" 



64. Nyania stika m niakhala 



The meat goes away with the coals." 



If you cook meat on a fire without fat. it will be spoilt, 

 because it will stick to the coals. It will be useless. So 

 a man who feels himself disregarded or despised will say : 

 Ndi nyaina suka ni tnakhala! " meaning, " I am not 

 thought anything of, I am despised." 



65. Nwankonga-)narambu i so ka tii nliJube. 



A skeleton has tio flesh." (Tiit. : a piece of boneless 

 meat). 



You do not go for meat to a skeleton, and you do not 

 go for money to a poor man. You can't wring blood out of 

 a stone. 



66. 1 timhonda ta humba- ta ku huwa nohweni. 



" They are snail's horns, they come out of tlic 

 mouth. " 



This is used of a boastful coward ; his strength is only in 

 his mouth. 



67. Asik humba ba songa sa }ia tanile. 



" They roll up a skin while it is still damp. ' 



A new skin can only be properly rolled up while damp. 

 This is used when about to start on a journey or walk. 

 Men have eaten, and are ready for the road If they wait 

 about and talk, they will want to eat again, and will lose 

 time, so one will say ," .4 hi farnbeni, a^ikhumba ba songa 

 sa ha tanile" " Let us go, they roll up a skin while it is 

 still damp." 



