Myself I nearly joined in it, for I thought this one of the cleverest bits of statecraft that ever I had heard of or seen.

The old wizard had taken no responsibility and given no answer to the demand for advice.

All this he had thrust on to the shoulders of a dead man, and that man one whose name was magical to every Zulu, the king whose memory they adored, the great General who had gorged them with victory and power.
Speaking as Chaka, after a long period of peace, he urged them once more to lift their spears and know the joys of triumph, thereby making themselves the greatest nation in Southern Africa.
From the moment I heard this cunning appeal, I know what the end would be; all the rest was but of minor and semi-personal interest.

I knew also for the first time how truly great was Zikali and wondered what he might have become had Fortune set him in different circumstances among a civilized people.
Now he was speaking again, and quickly before the impression died away.
"Such is the word of Chaka spoken by me who was his secret councillor, the Councillor who was seldom seen, and never heard.
Does not Sigananda yonder know the voice which amongst all those present echoes in his ears alone ?" "I know it," cried the old chief.

Then with his eyes starting almost from his head, Sigananda leapt up and raising his hand, gave the royal salute, the Bayete, to the spirit of Chaka, as though the dead king stood before him.
I think that most of those there thought that it did stand before him, for some of them also gave the Bayete and even Cetewayo raised his arm.
Sigananda squatted down again and Zikali went on.
"You have heard.