Chap. XVII.] SOUTHERN AFRICA, 139 



of the country, and furnish employment to a con- 

 siderable portion of his lieges, who are precariously 

 maintained by his bounty, but depend chiefly for 

 support upon their success in hunting. The deaths 

 and casualties which occur amongst the oxen at 

 different out-stations are regularly reported, and we 

 had an opportunity of seeing this frequently done 

 during our visit. Running with all speed to within 

 about fifty yards of the king, a warrior places his 

 arms upon the ground, and assuming a subdued 

 posture, with his head bowed to the dust, crawls 

 within ear-shot, when all those about the royal 

 person exclaim " Haiyah ! Haiyah /" and the report 

 is made in a raised tone. This done, the soldier 

 remains crouched a few seconds, his eyes bent on 

 the ground, and if the king has no questions to ask, 

 suddenly springs on his feet, exclaiming " Haiyah .'" 

 and runs back to his arms. 



Moselekatse frequently inquired about King Wil- 

 liam's flocks and herds, asking if they were very 

 extensive, a subject on which we could not enlighten 

 him. He also spoke of our Sovereign's armies. The 

 king's own warriors, who were present, we could not 

 but admire, although the despot described them as 

 young unfleshed soldiers, who had not yet gained 

 a name in arms. They were, generally speaking, 

 tall and handsome; clad with the usual tails, and 

 the addition of two long red feathers in the hair 

 when it was unshorn, or a cluster of variegated 

 white and black feathers from the kingfisher or jay, 

 falling gracefully so as to obscure one eye. They 



