The Boers, in this contention, must win or die. In earlier days, before every inch of African soil was under the flag of one country or another, they were able to escape from English injustice by loading their few possessions on wagons and "trekking" into new and unexplored lands. If they yield their country to the English without a struggle, they will be forced to live under a future Stock Exchange Government, which has been described by a member of the British Parliament as likely to be "the vilest, the most corrupt, and the most pernicious known to man."[#] [#] The Hon. Henry Labouchere, in London Truth. The Boers have no better argument to advance in support of their claim than that which is contained in the Transvaal national hymn. It at once gives a history of their country, its many struggles and disappointments, and its hopes. It is written in the "taal" of the country, and when sung by the patriotic, deep-voiced Boers is one of the most impressive hymns that ever inspired a nation. THE TRANSVAAL VOLKSLIED. The four-colours of our dear old land Again float o’er Transvaal, And woe the God-forgetting hand That down our flag would haul! Wave higher now in clearer sky Our Transvaal freedom’s stay! (Lit., freedom’s flag.) Our enemies with fright did fly; Now dawns a glorious day. Through many a storm ye bravely stood, And we stood likewise true; Now, that the storm is o’er, we would Leave nevermore from you Bestormed by Kaffir, Lion, Brit, Wave ever o’er their head; And then to spite we hoist thee yet Up to the topmost stead! Four long years did we beg--aye, pray-- To keep our lands clear, free, We asked you, Brit, we loath the fray: "Go hence, and let us be! We’ve waited, Brit, we love you not, To arms we call the Boer;" (Lit., Now take we to our guns.) "You’ve teased us long enough, we troth, Now wait we nevermore." And with God’s help we cast the yoke Of England from our knee; Our country safe--behold and look-- Once more our flag waves free! Though many a hero’s blood it cost, May all the nations see (Lit., Though England ever so much more.) That God the Lord redeemed our hosts; The glory his shall be. Wave high now o’er our dear old land, Wave four-colours of Transvaal! And woe the God-forgetting hand That dares you down to haul! Wave higher now in clearer sky Our Transvaal freedom’s stay! Our enemies with fright did fly; Now dawns a glorious day. CHAPTER X PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE