Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/78

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A dirge with more variety and thought in it is a memorial song for a native officer named Ratsida, who died in the war with the Ikòngo, one of the Tanàla or forest tribes in the south-east of Madagascar, about thirty or forty years ago. The following is an almost literal translation:—

Where, do you say, is Ratsida? The memorial stone of Ratsida Is north of Isòanieràna, South of Itsìmbazàza; Vain substitute for a tomb.

Where was it he was lost? The corpse of Ratsida There at the foot of Ikongo Is food for the ants, Lost and dead in the war!

How about his relations? The relations of Ratsida Are alone in the dark. Given up their beloved one, Lost and dead in the war!

Who then, say, are the desolate? The friends of Ratsida Look about them in vain, For dead is their loved friend, His remains not come from the war!