(The original, in the Hottentot language, is in Sir G. Grey’s
Library, G. Krönlein’s Manuscript, pp. 31, 33.)
It is said that when the Lion and ǀgurikhoisip [12] (the Only man),
together with the Baboon, the Buffalo, and other friends, were playing
one day at a certain game, there was a thunderstorm and rain at
ǂaroχaams. [13] The Lion and ǀgurikhoisip began to quarrel. “I shall
run to the rain-field,” said the Lion. ǀGurikhoisip said also, “I shall
run to the rain-field.” As neither would concede this to the other,
they separated (angrily). After they had parted, the Lion went to tell
his Mother those things which they had both said.
His Mother said to him, “My Father! that Man whose head is in a line
with his shoulders and breast, who has pinching weapons, who keeps
white dogs, who goes about wearing the tuft of a tiger’s tail, beware
of him!” The Lion, however, said, “Why need I be on my guard against
those whom I know?” The Lioness answered, “My Son, take care of him who
has pinching weapons!” But the Lion would not follow his Mother’s
advice, and the same morning, when it was still pitch dark, he went to
ǂaroχaams, and laid himself in ambush. ǀGurikhoisip went also that
morning to the same place. When he had arrived he let his dogs drink,
and then bathe. After they had finished they wallowed. Then also the
man drank; and, when he had done drinking, the Lion came out of the
bush. The dogs surrounded him, as his mother had foretold, and he was
speared by ǀgurikhoisip. Just as he became aware that he was speared,
the dogs drew him down again. In this manner he grew faint. While he
was in this state, ǀgurikhoisip said to the dogs, “Let him alone now,
that he may go and be taught by his Mother.” So the dogs let him go.
They left him, and went home as he lay there. The same night he walked
towards home, but whilst he was on the way his strength failed him, and
he lamented:
“Mother! take me up!
Grandmother! take me up! Oh me! Alas!”