ensive
city. As being consistent with etiquette, they halted under a tree
just inside the walls, till the king and the eunuchs were informed of
their arrival, which having been done after a wearisome delay, they
rode to the residence of the chief eunuch Ebo, who, next to the king,
was the most influential man in the place. They found this personage
a great fat, round, oily man, airing himself under the verandah of
his dwelling. Other eunuchs of similar appearance were sitting on the
ground with him, and joining him in welcoming both of the travellers,
but particularly Richard, to Katunga, with every appearance of
sincerity, heartiness, and good-will. An uninteresting conversation
now took place, which lasted for some time, after which, they walked
altogether to the king's house, which was at the distance of half a
mile from that place.

CHAPTER XXXII.

Information of the approach of the travellers had been previously
sent to the monarch, but they were obliged to wait with much patience
for a considerable period, until he had put on his robes of state. In
the mean time to amuse his august visitors, the head drummer and his
assistants, with the most benevolent intention, commenced a concert
of the most bewitching melody; and long drums, kettle drums, and
horns were played with little intermission, till Mansolah, the king,
made his appearance, and the travellers were desired to draw nearer
to pay their respects to his majesty. They performed this ceremony
after the English manner, much to the entertainment and diversion of
the king, who endeavoured to imitate them, but it was easy to see
that he was but a novice in the European mode of salutation--bowing
and shaking hands; nor did he, like some other monarchs, stretch
forth his hand to be kissed, which, to a man possessing a particle of
spirit, must be degrading and humiliating. There is no doubt that it
was owing to the rusticity and awkwardness of their address, not
having been brought up amongst the fooleries and absurdities of a
court, that Mansolah's risible faculties were so strongly excited,
but he laughed so long and heartily, and his wives, and eunuchs, and
subjects of all sorts joined with him with such good will, and such
power of lungs, that at length the travellers were obliged to laugh
too, and were constrained to unite their voices to the general burst
of kindly feeling, although, if they had been asked the cause of such
jollity and obstreperous mir