opposite to the other, charged
with Arrows drawn up to the heads: they are placed just so high, as
they may fly over a man's back when he lyes flat upon the ground. A
man danceth between them and shows Tricks, and when he is pleased,
he touches a string made fast to both their trickers, at which they
both instantly Discharge, and he falls flat down between them, and
the Arrows fly over his back, which if they hit him, undoubtedly fly
thro his Body. A Woman takes two naked Swords under each Arm one,
and another she holds in her mouth, then fetcheth a run and turns
clear over, and never touches the ground till she lights on her feet
again, holding all her Swords fast. There are divers other Diversions
of this nature too large to mention.

[At leisure times they meet, and discourse of News.] At their leisure
when their affairs will permit, they commonly meet at places built
for strangers and way-faring men to lodge in, in their Language called
Amblomb, where they sit chewing Betel, and looking one upon the other
very gravely and solidly, discoursing concerning the Affairs at Court,
between the King and the great Men; and what Employment the People of
the City are busied about. For as it is the chief of their business
to serve the King, so the chief of their discourse is concerning
such matters. Also they talk of their own affairs, about Cattel and
Husbandry. And when they meet with Outlandish-men they enquire about
the Laws and Government of their Countrey, and if it be like theirs;
and what Taxes and Duties we are bound to pay, and perform to our
King, &c.

[Drunkenness abhored.] And this manner of passing their leisure time
they account the greatest Recreation. Drunkenness they do greatly
abhor, neither are there many that do give themselves to it. Tobacco
likewise they account a Vice, but yet is used both by Men and Women;
but more eaten than drunk in Pipes.

[Their great delight in Betel.] But above all things Betel leaves
they are most fond of, and greatly delighted in: when they are
going to Bed, they first fill their mouths with it, and keep it
there until they wake, and then rise and spit it out, and take in
more. So that their months are no longer clear of it, than they are
eating their Victuals. This is the general practice both of Men and
Women, insomuch that they had rather want Victuals or Cloths than
be without it; and my long practice in eating it brought me to the
same condition. And the Reasons why th