Копи царя Соломона
We Give a Sign
Thegreatspaceinfrontoftheking’skraalboreaverydifferentappearancefromthatwhichithadpresentedonthepreviousevening. InplaceofthegrimranksofserriedwarriorswerecompanyaftercompanyofKukuanagirls, notover-dressed,sofarasclothingwent,buteachcrownedwithawreathofflowers,andholdingapalmleafinonehandandawhitearumlilyintheother. InthecentreoftheopenmoonlitspacesatTwalatheking,witholdGagoolathisfeet, attendedbyInfadoos,theboyScragga,andtwelveguards. Therewerealsopresentaboutascoreofchiefs,amongstwhomIrecognisedmostofourfriendsofthenightbefore.
Twalagreeteduswithmuchapparentcordiality,thoughIsawhimfixhisoneeyeviciouslyonUmbopa.
"Welcome,whitemenfromtheStars,"hesaid; "thisisanothersightfromthatwhichyoureyesgazedonbythelightoflastnight’smoon, butitisnotsogoodasight. Girlsarepleasant,andwereitnotforsuchasthese,"andhepointedroundhim,"weshouldnoneofusbeherethisday; butmenarebetter. Kissesandthetenderwordsofwomenaresweet,butthesoundoftheclashingofthespearsofwarriors,andthesmellofmen’sblood,aresweeterfar! Wouldyehavewivesfromamongourpeople,whitemen? Ifso,choosethefairesthere,andyeshallhavethem,asmanyasyewill,"andhepausedforananswer.
