Shortly after the death of his father, Chaka obtained the chieftainship of the Zulu nation, through the influence of his patron.

Those hours that with gentle work did frame / The lovely gaze where every eye doth dwell / Will play the tyrants to the very same / And that unfair which fairly doth excel.

This gloomy tristeness reigns triumphant over most of the streets, except when a review, or some other public occasion, attracts the population of the provinces.[…]; and, owing to there being no theatres, concerts, balls, or merry-making, an air of indescribable tristeness pervaded every thing, rendered still more melancholy by the number of people attired in that mournful garb which told of the loss of some beloved relative, or valued friend.[…]Solitude had usurped the throne of gaiety; gloom and tristeness were the substitutes for mirth and music:[…]

This day is call'd the Feaſt of Criſpian: / He that out-liues this day, and comes ſafe home, / Will ſtand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd, / And rowſe him at the Name of Criſpian.