CWe accompany misfortune, last faithful friends, you know under what circumstances, when the French wanted to grab the land of our ancestors, we decided to fight. We then had the certainty of leading our army to victory. When my warriors rose by the thousand to defend Danhomè and its king, I proudly recognized the same bravery shown by those of Agadja, Tégbessou, Ghézo and Glèlè. In all battles I was by their side.
Despite the justice of our cause, and our valor, our compact troops were decimated in an instant. They could not defeat the white enemies whose courage and discipline we also praise. And already my tearful voice no longer arouses an echo.
Where are the ardent amazons now burning a holy anger?
Where, their indomitable chiefs: Goudémè, Yéwê, Kétungan?
Where, their robust captains: Godogbé, Chachabloukou, Godjila?
Who will sing their splendid sacrifices? Who will say their generosity?
Since they have sealed with their blood the pact of supreme fidelity, how can I accept without them any abdication?
How dare I appear before you, brave warriors, if I signed the General's paper?
No ! I will no longer turn my back on my fate. I will face and I will walk. Because the best victory is not won over an enemy army or opponents condemned to the silence of the dungeon. Truly victorious is the man left alone and who continues to struggle in his heart. I don't want the customs officer to find filth at my feet at the gates of the land of the dead. When I see you again, I want my belly to open with joy. Now what will happen to me that will please God.
Who am I to make my disappearance a loophole on earth?
Leave, you last companions alive. Join Abomey where the new masters promise a sweet alliance, life saves and, it seems, freedom. There, it is said that already joy is reborn. There, it seems that the whites will be as favorable to you as the rain that drapes the flamboyant red velvet or the sun that gilds the silken beard of the ears.
Missing companions, unknown heroes of a tragic epic, here is the remembrance offering: a little oil, a little flour and bull's blood. Here is the pact renewed before the great departure.
Farewell, soldiers, farewell!
Guédébé remains standing, like me, like a free man. Since the blood of the slain soldiers guarantees the resurrection of Danhome, the blood must be shed. The ancestors have nothing more to do with our sacrifices. They will better taste the pure homage of these faithful hearts united for the greatness of the country.
This is why I agree to commit myself to the long night of patience where the dawn of light germinates.
Guedbe, like the messenger of peace, goes to Ghoho, where General Dodds is camped.
Go tell the conqueror he didn't harpoon the shark.
Go tell him that tomorrow, at daybreak, of my own free will, I go to the village of Yégo.
Go tell him that I agree, for the survival of my people, to meet in his country, according to his promise, the president of the French.
Rejection of colonization in the ancient kingdom of Danxome (volume 2): 1894-1900 - Gbehanzin and Ago-li-Agbo
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Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2013-11-01T00:00:01Z |
| Language | French |
| Number Of Pages | 334 |
| Publication Date | 2013-11-01T00:00:01Z |
