Two real friends lived in Monomotapa,

All that belonged to one was for the other,

And each was unto each a brother.

The people of that country, thus,

Make better friends than among us.One night when fast asleep,

They each were sound reposing,

The eldest darted from his couch,

And stopped the other's dozing.

He runs to see his friend,

Awakes the slaves, and in the end,

Even his friend is quite alarmed,

And goes to seek the other,

With sword and purse. "My brother,

What can the matter be?

Here I am armed, you see,

Ready with sword to fight for you,

And here is money ready too,

If you have lost in play.

You're even welcome to my handsome slave,

With jet black hair, and eyes so grave."

"No!" said the other, "I need naught,

But ere I slept to-night, I thought,

Being in a trance, that you were sad,

And as the thought nigh drove me mad,

I hurried to your tent,

And found you sleeping quite content."

Which of the two best loved the other?

Here is a thing to ponder on.

A true friend is a precious thing,

And all to aid you he will bring,

But with excess of love the other

In dreams was thinking of his brother.