No rank or age was exempt2 from attendance at the great assembly. Soldiers were sent about the city and suburbs to drive the people towards the place of assembly near the palace, and the living stream continued to pour onwards until many thousand souls were gathered together at Imàhamàsina.
Here a body of troops fifteen thousand strong was posted, and in the earlier part of the day the cannon3 along the heights of the city thundered out a salute4 to inspire the people with awe6 and respect for the royal authority. The highest civil and military officers were there in their varied7 and gay trappings, but Ranavalona herself did not appear in person. Her message was conveyed to the people by one of the chief officers of state. It was interspersed8 here and there with the various titles of the Queen, and was to the following effect:—
“I announce to you, oh ye people! I am not a sovereign that deceives. I therefore tell to you what I purpose to do, and how I shall govern you. Who, then, is that man who would change the customs of our ancestors and the twelve sovereigns in this country? To whom has the kingdom been left by inheritance, by Impóin, Imérina, and Radama, except to me? If any, then, would change the customs of our ancestors, I abhor10 that, saith Rabòdon-Andrian-Impóin-Imérina.”
After a good deal more to much the same effect, the message went on to say:—
“As to baptisms, societies, places of worship distinct from schools, and the observance of the Sabbath, how many rulers are there in the land? Is it not I alone that rule? These things are not to be done; they are unlawful in my country, saith Ranavàlo-manjàka, for they are not the customs of our ancestors; and I do not change their customs, excepting as to things alone that improve my country. And then, in your worship, you say ‘Believe!’ ‘Follow the Christian11 customs!’ and thus you change the customs of the ancestors, for you do not invoke12 all that is sacred in heaven and earth, and all that is sacred in the twelve sovereigns and the idols13. And is not this changing the customs of the ancestors? I detest14 that; and I tell you plainly that such things shall not be done in my country, saith Ranavàlo-manjàka.
“Now I decree that all Bibles and books of the new religion shall be delivered up to be destroyed, that all who are guilty shall come in classes, according to the nature of their offences, and accuse themselves of having been baptized, of being members of the church, of having taught slaves to read—all shall come to the officers and confess; but those who conceal15 their offence and are accused by others shall be subjected to the ordeal16 of the tangena, and those who resist my commands shall die, saith Ranavàlo-manjàka.”
This message was no idle threat. The people were well aware of that, and the city was filled with weeping and consternation17.
It was while things were in this state that Mamba arrived at Antananarivo with his precious New Testament18 and Psalms19 in the folds of his lamba. Although well aware of what had taken place, he recklessly visited his friends in the city. From them he learned more particulars, and saw, when too late, that it would be impossible for him now to pass out of the gates with the Testament on his person, as the guards had been cautioned to search every one whom they had the slightest reason to suspect.
Hearing of the sudden exaltation of his English friends, he formed the wise resolution to place his treasure in their hands.
Boldness is often successful where timidity would fail. Without hesitation20, or even consultation21 with his friends, Mamba went straight to the palace and demanded permission to visit the Maker22 of Medicine. He was allowed to pass and conducted by an official to the quarters of Mark Breezy, who was seated with Hockins and Ebony at the time.
Great was their surprise at seeing their friend.
“Yis—yis—I hoed,” said Mamba, and then endeavoured to tell something of his doings in English; but his knowledge of that language was so very imperfect that they could make nothing of it. They understood him, however, when he cautiously and lovingly drew the Testament from its hiding-place and gave it into Mark’s hands.
“What am I to do with it, my poor friend?” said Mark. “I know that you have no chance of retaining it, after the decree that has just been passed.”
“Keep ’im—keep—for me,” said Mamba, anxiously.
“I will do so, if I can, but it may not be possible,” answered Mark.
“Yis, keep—safe. Got ’im for me mudder.”
“You’re a brick,” cried Ebony, enthusiastically grasping the man’s hand, for he had a great love for his own mother, and experienced a gush25 of sympathy.
At that moment there was a loud knocking at the door, and Mark had barely time to slip the Testament into his coat pocket when Hater-of-lies entered with his silver spear and attendants. Seizing hold of poor Mamba, without uttering a word they led him away.
Hockins instantly followed, and Ebony was about to do the same when Mark laid his hand on his shoulder and checked him.
“What would you do, Ebony?”
“Look arter ’Ockins, massa.”
“Hockins is well able to look after himself. No doubt he has gone to see where they take Mamba to. One pair of eyes is enough for that. Your company would only trouble him.”
A few minutes later the seaman26 returned with the information that the unfortunate man had been cast into the prison from which they had been so recently released.
At this time the Christians27 in the island possessed28 numerous entire copies of the Scriptures29, besides a large number of Testaments30 and Psalms, and books of a religious character, which, having been secreted31, had escaped the destruction of previous persecutions. Some of these were now given up and destroyed. Many of the more timid among the natives came forward, as commanded, and accused themselves, thus escaping punishment; but there were others who would neither give up their Bibles nor accuse themselves. Some of these were accused by their slaves, others by their so-called friends and kindred—in some cases falsely.
Next day the Prime Minister came to the Queen and reported that one lady, named Rasalama, who had not accused herself, had been accused by some of her slaves of attending religious meetings.
“Is it possible,” exclaimed the Queen, “that there is one so daring as to defy me? Go, let her be put to death at once!”
The intercession of friends of the accused produced no effect on the Queen, and even the pleading of Prince Rakota failed, in this instance, to do more than delay the execution for a few days.
Meanwhile Rasalama was cast into prison and loaded with chains.
“Is it not strange,” she said to her jailors, “that I should be put in chains, and some of my friends should be sent to perpetual slavery and some killed, though we have done no evil? We have neither excited rebellion, nor stolen the property of any, nor spoken ill of any—yet we are treated thus, and our property is confiscated32. It will be wise if the persecutors think what they do, lest they bring on themselves the wrath33 of God. But I do not fear. When Hater-of-lies came to my house I rejoiced that I was counted worthy34 to suffer affliction for believing in Jesus.”
When this speech was reported to the judges, Rasalama was ordered to be put into heavier irons and severely35 beaten. This cruel order was carried out; and after her tender limbs had been additionally weighted, her delicate skin was lacerated with terrible stripes. Yet her fortitude36 never forsook37 her. Nay38 more—through the grace bestowed39 on her she actually sang hymns40 in the midst of her torment42! Sometimes, indeed, her physical strength failed for a brief space. At other times the song of triumph blended with a wail43 of agony, but she always recovered to renew the hymn41 of praise.
Her tormentors were confounded. This was something quite beyond their understanding, and their only solution of the mystery was that she must be under the influence of some powerful charm. Others there were, however, who listened to her triumphant44 songs, and beheld45 her calm steadfast46 countenance47 with widely different thoughts and feelings.
But the sufferings of this poor creature had not yet terminated. The rage of her persecutors was not yet appeased48. Next day the ordinary chains she wore were exchanged for others, consisting of rings and bars fastened around her wrists, knees, ankles, and neck, and these, when drawn49 together, forced her whole body into a position that caused intense agony—something like that which we have described as having been seen by Mark and his comrades in the same prison-house. In this posture50 it was impossible to use the voice in song, but, doubtless, she was not even then prevented from making melody in her heart to the Lord, for whose name she suffered so much. All night long was this terrific trial endured, but with the dawn of day came relief, for then the chains were relaxed; and so great was the change that poor Rasalama looked forward to the fate which she knew awaited her with feelings of joy.
That fate was not long delayed. Soon they led her out of the prison, and took the road which conducted towards the southern extremity51 of the hill on which the city stood, where was the tremendous precipice52 down which many a criminal and many a Christian martyr1 had already in Ranavalona’s evil reign9 been hurled53 out of Time into Eternity54. Yet this was not the gate through which Rasalama was to pass into Paradise. See Note 1.
As she walked along, the poor martyr began again to sing a favourite hymn. When passing the place of worship, at that time closed, she exclaimed, “There have I heard the words of the Saviour55.” Hundreds of people accompanied her. Some even ventured to whisper words of comfort to her as she went along, although by doing so they imperilled their own lives, and one young man, utterly56 regardless of consequences, walked boldly by her side, speaking to her of the Saviour, till the place of execution was reached.
To this spot Mark Breezy and his companions in exile had hastened, for the Secretary had told them that some of the Christians were about to be executed, and a fearful suspicion that their friend Mamba might be among the number impelled57 them to hasten to the spot with some half-defined intention of interfering58 in his behalf. For they had gradually, and imperceptibly to themselves, acquired a great liking59 for the young native, whose earnest, straightforward60, yet playful spirit, together with his great kindness to his mother, had deeply impressed them during the brief time they had sojourned together in the forest.
“Will we fight for ’im, massa?” asked Ebony, with anxious looks, as they ran to the place of execution, which was not far-off.
“That would be useless,” answered Mark. “If we were thirty Samsons instead of three ordinary men, we could not overcome the Queen’s army.”
“I’ve half a mind to try,” said Hockins, with something unusually fierce in his expression. “Many a man has run a-muck before now. I’ve got to die once at any rate!”
“And what good would that do to Mamba?” asked Mark. “No, I will try another plan. I have fortunately done service to the Queen in saving the life of her son. If Mamba is to be martyred, I will throw my arms round him and ask the Queen in return to spare the life of my friend.”
They had by that time mingled61 with the dense62 crowd that stood on the brow of the precipice of Ambohipotsy to witness the execution. Pushing to the front with breathless anxiety, they were just in time to see Rasalama led forward by two men armed with spears. In front of them was a shallow ditch, and a little further on the brow of the precipice, from which was seen a magnificent prospect63 of the surrounding country. But no prospect, however sublime64, could have attracted the eyes of the three friends just then, for in front of them stood two crosses supporting the bodies of two Christians who had been crucified thereon the day before. Even these, however, lost their horrible power of fascination65, when they observed the cheerful holy expression of Rasalama’s countenance as she was led to the edge of the ditch which was to be her grave. The bottom of that grave was already strewn with the bloody66 remains67 and the bleaching68 bones of other martyrs69 who had preceded her.
The crowd, who had followed the procession with imprecations against the Christians, now ceased to shout.
“Will you allow me a short time to pray?” asked Rasalama of the executioners.
Her request being granted, she kneeled on the rocky ground, clasped her hands, and raised to Heaven a look of calm trustfulness, as she held communion for the last time on earth with her Redeemer.
“Where is the God she prays to that he does not save her now?” whispered some. Others held their peace, but laid these things to heart.
While the poor creature was thus engaged, the two executioners, without warning, thrust their spears deep into her body. It was the custom of these men to plunge70 the spears into the loins of their victims on each side of the back-bone in such a position that they did not produce immediate71 death, but allowed the martyrs to tumble into the ditch and writhe72 there in agony for some time with the spears still sticking in them. Happily, in the case of Rasalama, the thrusts were—either intentionally73 or accidentally—more effective than usual. After a very brief struggle, her happy soul was set free to be “for ever with the Lord.”
In that ditch her poor mangled74 body was left to be devoured75 by the wild dogs that frequent all places in Madagascar where criminals suffer. See Note 2.
“Stay, sir, stay,” whispered the sailor at his elbow, “you forget Mamba. More are comin’.”
More martyrs were indeed coming, as the singing of hymns proved.
Close on the heels of Rasalama, a band of nine other Christians were carried to the place of execution, each with his feet and hands tied together and slung77 on a pole, the ends of which were borne by two men. Straw had been stuffed into their mouths to prevent praying or singing, but several of them, managing to get rid of the straw, burst into the triumphal songs which had attracted the attention of our seaman.
Arrived at the ditch, the victims were asked if they would give up praying to Jesus. In every case the answer was a decided78 “No!” They were then thrust into the ditch, forced down on their knees, and made to bend forward. While this was being done, the shuddering79 friends of Mamba perceived that he was not among the martyrs. One by one each unfortunate was stabbed in the loins, close on either side of the back-bone, but not one was terrified into recanting, although by so doing he might have been restored at once to life and liberty. The truth of that word, “As thy days thy strength shall be,” was clearly and wonderfully proved in the case of these sufferers. After all had fallen, their heads were cut off and placed in a row on the edge of the ditch. Five of the nine belonged to one family.
One man who had been reserved to the last, for some reason or other that was net explained, was led to the brow of the precipice, and the same question was put to him that had been put to his fellow-martyrs. From the spot on which he stood he could look down into the awful gulf80, a sheer descent of sixty feet first to a place where a ledge24 projected, and then, a further descent of still greater depth to the bottom, where the ground was covered with rocks and débris from the cliffs.
Unfaltering in courage and allegiance to the Master, his “No!” was distinct and decisive. Next moment he was hurled over. With terrific force he struck the ledge, and it must have been a lifeless body that was finally shattered on the plain below.
As the people immediately began to disperse81 after this, Mark and his friends hastened sway from the place with an overwhelming sense of horror upon them, but thankful as well as relieved to know that their friend Mamba was not yet among the martyrs.
Note 1. Rasalama was in truth the first martyr of Madagascar. She was slain82 in the year 1837. We have only transposed the date. Her story is given, without variation worthy of mention, from authentic83 records.
Note 2. Close to the spot where the heroic Rasalama knelt to pray and die, a large Memorial Church now stands, the spire5 of which forms a conspicuous84 object in every distant view of the city.
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1
martyr
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| n.烈士，殉难者；vt.杀害，折磨，牺牲 | |
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exempt
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| adj.免除的；v.使免除；n.免税者，被免除义务者 | |
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cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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spire
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| n.(教堂)尖顶，尖塔，高点 | |
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awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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7
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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interspersed
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| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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abhor
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| v.憎恶；痛恨 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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invoke
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| v.求助于(神、法律)；恳求，乞求 | |
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idols
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| 偶像( idol的名词复数 )； 受崇拜的人或物； 受到热爱和崇拜的人或物； 神像 | |
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detest
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| vt.痛恨，憎恶 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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ordeal
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| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
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consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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testament
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| n.遗嘱；证明 | |
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psalms
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| n.赞美诗( psalm的名词复数 )；圣诗；圣歌；(中的) | |
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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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ledge
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| n.壁架，架状突出物；岩架，岩礁 | |
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gush
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| v.喷，涌；滔滔不绝(说话)；n.喷，涌流；迸发 | |
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seaman
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| n.海员，水手，水兵 | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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28
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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scriptures
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| 经文，圣典( scripture的名词复数 )； 经典 | |
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testaments
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| n.遗嘱( testament的名词复数 )；实际的证明 | |
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31
secreted
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| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的过去式和过去分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
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32
confiscated
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| 没收，充公( confiscate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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forsook
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| forsake的过去式 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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hymn
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌 | |
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42
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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wail
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| vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸 | |
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44
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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45
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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46
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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47
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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48
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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49
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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51
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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52
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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53
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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56
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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interfering
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| adj. 妨碍的 动词interfere的现在分词 | |
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liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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straightforward
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| adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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bleaching
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| 漂白法，漂白 | |
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martyrs
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| n.martyr的复数形式；烈士( martyr的名词复数 )；殉道者；殉教者；乞怜者（向人诉苦以博取同情） | |
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70
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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71
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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72
writhe
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| vt.挣扎，痛苦地扭曲；vi.扭曲，翻腾，受苦；n.翻腾，苦恼 | |
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73
intentionally
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| ad.故意地，有意地 | |
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74
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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75
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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76
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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77
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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78
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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79
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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80
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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81
disperse
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| vi.使分散；使消失；vt.分散；驱散 | |
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82
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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83
authentic
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| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
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84
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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