Be secret as the grave, for the grave yawns for you both." I went again, bearing the mat containing the dead child in my right hand.

But the bundle of medicines that held the living one I fastened across my shoulders.

I passed out of the Emposeni, and, as I went, I held up the bundle in my right hand to the guards, showing them that which was in it, but saying nothing.
"It is good," they said, nodding.
But now ill-fortune found me, for just outside the Emposeni I met three of the king's messengers.
"Greeting, son of Makedama!" they said.

"The king summons you to the Intunkulu"-- that is the royal house, my father.
"Good!" I answered.

"I will come now; but first I would run to my own place to see how it goes with Macropha, my wife.