144 MATABELE LAND. 
then pausing and imitating the looking round for 
danger, then recommencing the feeding, or imi- 
tating the running of the elephants. The words 
were very distinct, with no clicking. The following 
occurred over and over again, the song sounding 
very monotonous, but not at all harsh or unpleas- 
ant : — 
" ' Wanga marank, 
Swot ma ben a marank, 
Watem ba marank, 
Obeza marank, 
Wamba marank.' 
One of the boys from Mungwato, whose language 
this man knows a little, explains that he speaks of 
the game feeding by the river — ' all the game.' The 
minstrel was delighted with some tobacco. He is a 
fine, well-made, powerful-looking, and nice-featured 
young fellow, with a pleasant childish expression." 
Next day a large troop of buffalo was encountered 
near the river, out of which were obtained a cow and 
three-year-old bull, which supplied the camp with 
meat. " Went after supper," writes Frank Oates 
that evening, " to see the Bushmen and their wives 
dance. They do this when full of meat, making a 
great noise. The women stand in line, shuffling 
their feet and clapping their hands, whilst the men 
come and perform antics in front of them — one now 
and then stepping out from the ranks and approach- 
ing near to the women with dancing and gestures. 
Now and then one excited will rush away half mad 
into the veldt, and return again when tired. They 
must work very hard in this dancing." 
