"He whom you have set on high to bring defeat upon you charges me to give you peace, and in the name of the conquering Cross I give peace.

All who surrender shall dwell henceforth in my shadow, nor shall the head or the heel of one of them be harmed, although their sin is great.

One life only will I take, the life of that witch who brought your armies down upon me to burn my town and slay my people by thousands, and who but last night betrayed Hokosa to his death of torment.

All shall go free, I say, save the witch; and for you, you shall be given cattle and such servants as will cling to you to the number of a hundred, and driven from the land.

Now, what say you?
Will you yield or be slain?
Swift with your answer; for the sun sinks, and ere it is set there must be an end in this way or in that." The regiments of Hafela heard, and shouted in answer as with one voice:-- "We take your mercy, King! We fought bravely while we could, and now we take your mercy, King!" "What say you, Hafela ?" repeated Nodwengo, addressing the prince, who stood upon a point of rock above him in full sight of both armies.
Hafela turned and looked at Hokosa hanging high in mid-air.
"What say I ?" he answered in a slow and quiet voice.