emand, it would seem to be the
worm that ever gnaws, and that their thirst is the fire
which is never quenched."

The Griot, as we have already mentioned, sings for money. He is a most
accomplished parasite and flatterer. He makes a study of the art. Here
is one of his songs gotten up for the occasion.

I.

"The man who had not feared to pass the seas through a love
of study and of science heard of the poor Griot. He had him
summoned. He made him sing songs which made the echoes of
the Bornou mountains, covered with palm-trees, ring louder
and louder as the sounds flew over the summits of the trees.

II.

"The songs touched the heart of the great white man, and the
dew of his magnificence fell upon the Griot's head. Oh! how
can he sing the wonderful deeds of the Toubab? His voice and
his breath would not be strong enough to sing that theme. He
must be silent, and let the lion of the forest sing his
battles and his victories.

III.

"Fatimata heard the songs of the Griot. She heard, too, the
deeds which the Toubab had accomplished. She sighed, and
covered her head with her robe. Then she turned to her young
lover, and she said, 'Go to the wars; let the flying ball
kill thee: for Fatimata loves thee no longer. The white man
fills her thoughts.'"

The most beautiful nursery song ever sung by any mother, in any
language, may be heard in the Balengi county, in Central Africa. There
is wonderful tenderness in it,--tenderness that would melt the
coldest heart. It reveals a bright spot in the heart-life of this
people.[98]

"_Why dost than weep, my child?
The sky is bright; the sun is shining: why dost than weep?
Go to thy father: he loves thee; go, tell him why thou weepest.
What! thou weepest still! Thy father loves thee; I caress thee:
yet still thou art sad.
Tell me then, my child, why dost thou weep?_"

It is not so very remarkable, when we give the matter thought, that
the African mother should be so affectionate and devoted in her
relations to her children. The diabolical system of polygamy has but
this one feeble apology to offer in Africa. The wives of one man may
quarrel, but the children always find loving maternal arms ready to
shelter their heads against the wrath of an indifferent and cruel
father. The mother settles all the disputes of the children, and cares
f