ZULU COURTSHIP.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2516, 25 August 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

ZULU COURTSHIP.

(Woman.) Wilßif a young Zuly gains his 'gum ring,—which is worn upon the crown of the head, and is obtained by performing some deed of valor, or by special gift of the king, atul which stamps him as a man us distinguished from a boy—his first duty is to get married, and if he has not the necessary cows to purchase a Wife he must raid some enemy's kraal and steal them. When he has chosen the lady he makes his intentions known to the family, and they commence operations by praising him when she is present as he never was praised before, and never will be again until he wants another wife. The girl, after some coquetry, consents to see him, and he, washing and oiling himself, dons his lightest, finest dancing dress, and sends a messenger to announce Ilia coming, presents himself with shield and assegai to the family, who will be squatting in a circle near the house of the lady. He squats among them, and presently the lady of his dreams appears, attended by two or three female friends of her own age. She looks him over for some time, and finally requests her brother (it not being etiquette to speak to him direct) to rise and turn round and round displaying his proportions, under a running fire of mischievous comments from the girl friends of the finance elect ; she keeping a discreet silence, accords him permission to squat again and retires. The family rush to hear her decision, but she is not inclined to be hasty, or seem too easily won. "I have not seen hiin walk—he may limp," she says, and so the poor fellow has to come again next morning, when he will probably be accepted.