Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 7 1889.djvu/454

110 as reward. Liougo said he knew he had come to kill him, and that if he were stabbed with copper needle he would die,—(6) Nephew returned to town, was provided with copper needle, returned to Liongo, and stabbed him one evening while he was asleep. Liongo was awoke by pain, took bow and arrows, went near well, knelt down in position for shooting, and died. In morning, people coming to draw water thought he was alive, and ran back into town, not daring to go to well for three days; at last told Liongo's mother to go and send her son away or they would kill her. Mother took hold of him to soothe him with songs where he fell down. She wept, knowing he was dead, and told townspeople. Liongo's grave is to be seen at Ozi now.—(7) Young man did not have kingdom, for he was seized and killed.

Alphabetical List of Incidents.

Where published.—Swahili Tales, by Edward Steere. London, 1870. Pp. 439-453.

Nature of Collection, whether:—

1. Original or translation.—Translated from Swahili, by Edward Steere.

2. If by word of mouth, state narrator's name.—Told to Dr. Steere by Hamisi wa Kayi, or Khamis bin Abubekr.

Special Points noted by the Editor of the above.— The story of Liongo is the nearest approach to a bit of real history I was able to meet with. It is said that a sister of Liongo came to Zanzibar, and that her descendants are still living there. Sheikh Mohammed bin Ali told me that in his young days he had seen Liongo's spear and some other relics then preserved by his family. There seem, however, to be none such now remaining. No one has any clear notion how long ago it is since Liongo died, but his memory is warmly cherished, and it is wonderful how the mere mention of his name rouses the interest of almost any true Swahili. There is a long poem, of which the tale is an abridgment, which used often to be sung at feasts; and then all would get much excited, and cry like children when his death was related, and particularly at the point where his mother touches him and finds him dead.

Remarks by the Tabulator. — Liongo's answer as to what only would kill him suggests comparison with Baldwin's vulnerability through the mistletoe. (Signed)