That part of Angola which lies betwixt the rivers Danda and Coanza, we have already said, was original ly subject to the kings of Congo, and governed by a deputy.
One of these deputies, or governors, named Ngola, or, according to the Portuguese, Angola, having become powerful by the reduction of the neighbouring states, entered into an alliance with the Portuguese, and with their assistance made himself independent of his sove reign, and assumed the title of Ineve, or Great. Enga ged in a destructive war with the barbarous Giagas, the king of Congo, so far from being able to oppose the am bition of this rebellious chief, was under the necessity of begging Ngola's assistance, not as a subject, but as a friend and ally. And upon that footing they continued ever after to live ; their friendship being cemented by an exchange of presents, by mutual assistance against their enemies, and by an established commerce among their subjects. • Ngola lived to a great age, respected by his subjects, and in close friendship and alliance with the king of Con go and the Portuguese. According to the custom of the country, he had several wives ; of these, one who was more beloved by him than the rest, having born three daughters, he resolved to secure to the eldest the suc cession to the crown. Being now very old and infirm, he deemed it necessary to communicate that resolution to his viceroy, who highly applauded his sovereign's scheme, while he concealed the base design of placing the crown upon his own head. Accordingly, he one day caused it to be rumoured, that some of the neighbouring nations had, in a hostile manner, entered the kingdom, and were carrying all before them by fire and sword. Availing himself of the general confusion which that false alarm had occasioned, he found means to secure the three princesses in the palace, and then carried the alarming tidings to his aged sovereign, whom he urged to save himself from the fury of the enemy by an imme diate flight. Disabled by the infirmities of age, and re posing implicit confidence in his favourite minister, Ngola, in an unguarded hour, committed himself to his protection ; and he, taking his sovereign on his back, fled with him to an adjoining wood, where lie treacher ously plunged a dagger into his heart. The chief men
in the kingdom flew to arms, but found that the traitor was supported by a party too strong to be attacked, and therefore deemed it prudent to submit to his authority. A few years afterwards lie was carried off by a sudden death, and Zunda Riangola, eldest daughter of the late king, ascended the throne, amidst the universal joy of the people.
During the first years of her reign, she swayed the sceptre with great prudence, and gained the entire con fidence and esteem of her subjects. But, towards the latter end of her reign, she viewed, with a jealous eye, her sister's children, who, she feared, might supplant her in the affections of her people, and deprive her of the crown. That she might get them removed, she ordered that they should be brought to court, and edu cated under her own eye, as her children, and heirs to her crown. Having, by this artifice, got her sister's eldest son into her power, she caused him and his at tendants to be murdered ; one only escaping, to carry the mournful tidings to the parents. The grief excited by the recital of that inhuman action, did not vent itself in fruitless lamentations, but drove them to adopt the most speedy and effectual measures of revenge. Putting themselves at the head of such troops as they could col lect, they sallied forth in search of the queen ; they found her surrounded by a numerous army, who, upon their appearance, as if sensible that she was unworthy of support, instantly deserted her. The enraged mother was the first to rush upon her unnatural sister, and put her to death with her own hands. The deed was highly applauded by the Angolans, who, as a reward for her valour, placed the crown upon her head. For various reasons, she thought proper to assign the kingdom to her second surviving son, Angola Chilvagni.
This prince became a great warrior, enlarged the An golic dominions, died much regretted, and was succeed ed by his son, Dambi Angola.