After Serving In The Palace, These Young Men Are Preferred To
High Employments.
[Footnote 395:
The chief of Mocaranga is named Monomotapa, which latter
is often used as the name of the country. His residence is said to be at
Zimbao near the northern frontiers, between the Portuguese forts of Sena
and Tete. - E.]
The servants within the palace, and those without, are commanded by two
captains or high officers, resembling the Alcalde de los Douzeles, or
governor of the noble youths, formerly at the court of Spain. The
principal officers of the crown are, the Ningomoaxa or governor of
the kingdom, Mocomoaxa or captain-general, Ambuya or high steward,
whose office it is to procure a successor, when the Mazarira or
principal wife of the king dies, who must always be chosen from among
the sisters or nearest relations of the king. The next great officer is
the Inbantovo or chief musician, who has many musicians under his
charge; the Nurucao, or captain, of the vanguard; Bucurumo, which
signifies the king's right hand; Magande, or the chief conjurer;
Netambe, or chief apothecary, who has charge of the ointments and
utensils for sorcery; and lastly, the Nehono or chief porter. All
these offices are discharged by great lords. They use no delicacy in
cookery, having all their meats roasted or boiled; and they eat of such
articles as are used by the Europeans, with the addition of rats and
mice, which they reckon delicacies, as we do partridges and rabbits.
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