164 
OBTUSENESS OF NATIVES. 
[chap. V. 
to take their molotes. If yon are afraid, never mind, 
I will ask the Turks to do it.” Thus forbearance on 
my part was supposed to be caused from weakness, 
and it was difficult to persuade them that it originated 
in a feeling of justice. This Adda most coolly pro¬ 
posed that we should plunder one of his own villages 
that was rather too “liberal” in its views. Nothing 
is more heartbreaking than to be so thoroughly mis¬ 
understood, and the obtuseness of the savages was such, 
that I never could make them understand the existence 
of good principle;—their one idea was “ power,”—force 
that could obtain all—the strong hand that could 
wrest from the weak. In disgust I frequently nofed 
the feelings of the moment in my journal—a memo¬ 
randum from which I copy as illustrative of the 
time. “ 1863, 10th April, Latooka: I wish the black 
sympathisers in England could see Africa’s inmost 
heart as I do, much of their sympathy would subside. 
Human nature viewed in its crude state as pictured 
amongst African savages is quite on a level with that 
of the brute, and not to be compared with the noble 
character of the dog. There is neither gratitude, pity, 
love, nor self-denial; no idea of duty ; no religion; 
but covetousness, ingratitude, selfishness and cruelty. 
All are thieves, idle, envious, and ready to plunder 
and enslave their weaker neighbours.” 
