Julie was a strategist and an advocate. Next morning early, before dawn, after the simple wont of the simple Dutch, the songs of David in simple point swelled in the morning air, and the quavering voice of old Schwartz led the chaunt.
It was the glorious words of the Dominus Regnavit, and it suited the donning of khaki and the old man’s surrender.
‘The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel and girded Himself with strength....
‘The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly, but yet the Lord who dwelleth on high is mightier.’
As the sun glinted under the stoep, old Schwartz was being shown the glories of a Mark VII rifle, and the merits of the pointed bullet, while the horses were saddling in the kraal. Later, as Commandant Delarey marched off his commando, rifles on hip in due and ancient form, it was Julie who waved a Union flag and a tricolour, while old Schwartz stood on the stoep and gave his blessing from the Book:
‘In courage keep your heart
In strength lift up your hand.’
FOOTNOTES
[6] Justice of the Peace.