the chiefs, and received the string from
the king, tying the cordon on the necks of the four chiefs. We
were much amused to observe how the royal word can dispel the
gout. The instant the grand chief was within reach of the
medallion, and before the investiture was completed, he seized
the welcome present with the utmost earnestness, and kissed it
with an ardour which must have been witnessed to be conceived.
The king appeared sensibly affected by this strong and
unequivocal mark of grateful emotion. The other chiefs acted
in a similar way, and nothing could have been managed more
naturally, or in better taste. After this ceremony, the king
desired them to rise and to be covered. They put on their
hats, and which appeared extraordinary to me, his majesty
remained uncovered all the time. Here it was that the grand
chief, as if incapable of repressing his feelings, poured out
in a most eloquent manner, by voice and action, the following
unpremeditated speech in his native Indian tongue. I say
unpremeditated, because that fine allusion to the sun could
not have been contemplated while we were waiting in the
library, the room where we expected the interview to take
place. I was pleased to find that the presence of this mighty
sovereign, who governs the most powerful nation upon earth,
did not drive from the thoughts of the pious chief, the King
of kings and the Lord of lords.

The instant he had finished, the chief of the warriors
interpreted in the French language, and I wrote down the
speech as soon as I left the royal lodge. It should be
observed, that the chiefs had been previously informed by me
that, according to etiquette, they should answer any questions
which his majesty might be pleased to ask, but not introduce
any conversation of their own. The sun was shining vividly.

THE SPEECH.

I was instructed not to speak in the royal presence, unless in
answer to your majesty's questions. But my feelings overpower
me. My heart is full. I am amazed at such unexpected grace and
condescension, and cannot doubt that I shall be pardoned for
expressing my gratitude. The sun is shedding his genial rays
upon our heads. He reminds us of the great Creator of the
universe--of Him who can make alive and who can kill. Oh! may
that gracious and beneficent Being, who promise