And they were mortal still, though their years were long, and they knew no sickness, ere the shadow fell upon them. Therefore they grew wise and glorious, and in all things more like to the Firstborn than any other of the kindreds of Men; and they were tall, taller than the tallest of the sons of Middle-earth; and the light of their eyes was like the bright stars.
Then from the siege-kraal of her distant throat
Miriam Makeba sang to the lion
an undulation washed through her shoulders
a lake of golden corn ruffled by harsh winds
and suddenly Africa spoke