se riches and opulence astonished me, came to meet me on the day of
my arrival, and conducted me to his palace. He loaded me with honours,
and, during my residence there, showed me the utmost respect and
favour; yet it was accompanied with a constraint that rendered his
fidelity suspected by me. Among the amusements that he procured for
me, was a party upon the river: I consented to join it, and we
embarked the next day in a small frigate which he had provided. The
weather was fair, and the conversation most agreeable. The Governor of
Dioul was seated on the upper deck, and I was placed close to him. A
young boy, beautiful as the sun, lay at his feet; the most exquisite
wines were served upon a table which stood before us: their coldness,
and that of the ice with which all the fruits were surrounded,
contributed to the most seducing voluptuousness. The slaves sang and
played upon different instruments. Our pleasure was thus accompanied
with everything that could render it delicious; and as I was thinking
upon something to say that might be agreeable to the Governor, I
perceived upon his finger so magnificent a ruby, that I could not
forbear giving it the praises it deserved. The Governor immediately
drew it off, and presented it to me. I examined it with attention, and
returned it to him again, but had great trouble to make him take it.
Seeing that I absolutely refused to keep it, he was so concerned that
he threw it into the river. I repented then that I had not accepted so
perfect a work of nature, and testified my sorrow to the Governor, who
answered, that it was my own fault.

"'Yet,' continued he, 'if you will promise me to accept it, it will
not be difficult for me to find the ring again, which is really
deserving of your acceptance.'

"I imagined that, having another not unlike it, he designed to offer
me that; but, without saying any more to me, he immediately commanded
they should steer the vessel to the land. When he was arrived there,
he sent his slave to his treasurer to demand a small casket which he
described to him, and cast anchor to wait the return of the slave, who
was expeditious in executing the orders he had received. The Governor,
having then taken out of his pocket a small gold key, opened the
casket, out of which he took a small fish of the same metal and of
admirable workmanship, and threw it into the river. Immediately it
plunged to the bottom, and soon after appeared upon the surface of the