Page:Two kings of Uganda.djvu/74

famous. He was feared and hated by his people, and it is said that those who were deputed to bear the corpse of the deceased Kabaka back to the capital for burial, dashed it down to the ground with scornful fury, as if to wreak an impotent vengeance upon the dead. The quiet-looking, large-eyed lad Mutesa was chosen to succeed his warrior father. He, however, soon earned and took the significant name of "Causer of tears," "Mukaabya," and by this name he was usually known; but he was still oftener styled simply "Kabaka," or the King. Before officially "eating Buganda," as it is called, he had to go and seat himself on the stone throne which has been used for the purpose from time immemorial, and which is some distance from Rubaga, where he afterwards made his capital. When I knew him, only one of his numerous brothers was left, the others having, on various excuses, been put to death. The survivor was a very meek-looking, insignificant man, with a face scarred with small-pox, yet with a distinct resemblance to the king; possibly his inoffensiveness and insignificance accounts for the fact of his lengthened existence.

Mutesa soon sent down to the mission-house to say that he wished to see the newly-arrived "Muzungu,""white man," and it was accordingly decided that though I was far from well, I had better accede to his majesty's commands. I therefore arrayed myself in my longest black coat, in order to pay fitting respect to the great monarch to whom I was about to have the high honour