PRAISE OF DINGAN. A VERY CELEBRATED CHIEF. “Thou needy offspring of Umpikazi Eyer of the cattle of men, Bird of Maube, fleet as a bullet, Sleek, erect, of beautiful parts. Thy cattle like the comb of bees. O head too large, too huddled to move, Devourer of Moselekatze, son of Machobana, Devourer of Swazi, son of Sobuza, Breaker of the gates of Machobana, Devourer of Gundave of Machobana A monster in size,[211] of mighty power, Devourer of Ungwati of ancient race, Devourer of the kingly Uomapé; Like Heaven above, raining and shining.” The other is an Alexandrian lament of the lack of nations to conquer. It is in honor of Tchaka, (a renowned warrior and chief). “Thou hast finished, finished the nations! Where will you go out to battle now? Hey! Where will you go out to battle now? Thou hast conquered kings! Where are you going to battle now? Thou hast finished, finished the nations! Where are you going to battle now? Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!! Where are you going to battle now?” From the extracts it will be seen that flattery is not confined to European courts; the Kaffir carries it still further, for in addition to his own proper name (which it is deemed ill omened to speak) everybody of any rank, receives a number of _isi-bonges_ or praise-names, alluding to some action or peculiarity. It is customary on all formal occasions, to recite several of these _isi-bonges_, just as a European nobleman on official ceremonies desires to have all his titles proclaimed. In songs, of course, the invention of these is unlimited. Thus the great Panda, a renowned ruler of enormous fatness, is spoken of as,— “A swallow which fled in the sky,” “A swallow with a whiskered breast,” “Ramrod of brass,” “Thigh of the bullock of Inkakavini.” “Thou art an _Elephant_.” “Monarch who art black,” etc., etc. Such songs of praise are sung with great relish by full choruses. Violent gestures are used to heighten the effect. The songs are in unison, no harmonic divisions being attempted. The instruments of the Kaffir are few and crude; the whistle before mentioned, although giving but one tone, is a great favorite. It is so shrill that it can be heard above the wildest din of the _ensemble_. A rude flute or flageolet is also sometimes used; but the most-used instrument, is a primitive harp with _one string_ only, and whose tones though light and sweet can scarcely be heard at six yards distance. It is an ordinary bow with a string of twisted hair, and a hollow gourd attached at the centre of the wood to give resonance. A ring is passed along the string, to raise or lower the tone, which is produced by striking the cord with a short stick, or _plectrum_. The bow is about five feet long, and exactly resembles the usual weapon, which however is not used in war by the Kaffirs.