That still may chance, if I am not better treated,
answered Monazi with a flash of her great eyes. Will you dismiss yonder new wife of yours and give me back my place, and will you lift the curse of Nada off me, or will you not?
As to the first,
answered Umslopogaas, learn, Monazi, that I will not dismiss my new wife, who at least is gentler-tongued and truer-hearted than you are. As to the second, you ask that which it is not in my power to give, since children are the gift of Heaven, and barrenness is its bane. Moreover, you have done ill to bring into this matter the name of one who is dead, who of all women was the sweetest and most innocent. Lastly, I warn you before the people to cease from your plottings or traffic with Lousta, lest ill come of them to you, or him, even though he be my blood brother, or to both.
Plottings!
cried Monazi in a shrill and furious voice. Does Umslopogaas talk of plottings? Well, I have heard that Chaka the Lion left a son, and that this son has set a trap for the feet of him who sits on Chaka's throne. Perchance that king has heard it also; perchance the People of the Axe will soon have another Chief.
Is it thus?
said Umslopogaas quietly. And if so, will he be named Lousta?
Then his smouldering wrath broke out and in a kind of roaring voice he went on,
What have I done that the wives of my bosom should be my betrayers, those who would give me to death? Zinita betrayed me to Dingaan and in reward was slain, and my children with her. Now would you, Monazi, betray me to Cetywayo—though in truth there is naught to betray? Well, if so, bethink you and let Lousta bethink him of what chanced to Zinita, and of what chances to those who stand before the axe of Umslopogaas. What have I done, I say, that women should thus strive to work me ill?
This,
answered Monazi with a mocking laugh, that you have loved one of them too well. If he would live in peace, he who has wives should favour all alike. Least of anything should he moan continually over one who is dead, a witch who has left a curse behind her and thus insult and do wrong to the living. Also he would be wise to attend to the matters of his own tribe and household and to cease from
