Missionary Travels and Researches in South AfricaLivingstone, David
Religion
Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa
Livingstone, David
Missions -- South Africa; South Africa -- Description and travel
None of the men of our party had died, but two seemed unlikely to
recover; and Kibopechoe, my willing Mokwain, at last became troubled
with boils, and then got all the symptoms of fever. As he lay down, the
others began to move about, and complained of weakness only. Believing
that frequent change of place was conducive to their recovery, we moved
along as much as we could, and came to the hill N'gwa (lat. 18d 27' 20"
S., long. 24d 13' 36" E.). This being the only hill we had seen since
leaving Bamangwato, we felt inclined to take off our hats to it. It
is three or four hundred feet high, and covered with trees. Its
geographical position is pretty accurately laid down from occultation
and other observations. I may mention that the valley on its northern
side, named Kandehy or Kandehai, is as picturesque a spot as is to be
seen in this part of Africa. The open glade, surrounded by forest trees
of various hues, had a little stream meandering in the centre. A herd
of reddish-colored antelopes (pallahs) stood on one side, near a
large baobab, looking at us, and ready to run up the hill; while gnus,
tsessebes, and zebras gazed in astonishment at the intruders. Some fed
carelessly, and others put on the peculiar air of displeasure which
these animals sometimes assume before they resolve on flight. A large
white rhinoceros came along the bottom of the valley with his slow
sauntering gait without noticing us; he looked as if he meant to indulge
in a mud bath. Several buffaloes, with their dark visages, stood under
the trees on the side opposite to the pallahs. It being Sunday, all was
peace, and, from the circumstances in which our party was placed, we
could not but reflect on that second stage of our existence which we
hope will lead us into scenes of perfect beauty. If pardoned in that
free way the Bible promises, death will be a glorious thing; but to be
consigned to wait for the Judgment-day, with nothing else to ponder on
but sins we would rather forget, is a cheerless prospect.
Our Bushmen wished to leave us, and, as there was no use in trying to
thwart these independent gentlemen, I paid them, and allowed them to go.
The payment, however, acted as a charm on some strangers who happened to
be present, and induced them to volunteer their aid.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account