When Speke, however, was desired to sit down outside to wait the
appearance of the monarch, he, considering this an act of discourtesy,
refused to comply. After waiting five minutes, as the king did not
appear, he thought it right to walk home again, giving Bombay directions
to leave his present on the ground. He was followed soon afterwards by
Bombay, who told him that he might bring his own chair, as the king was
anxious to show him every respect, although no one but the monarch was
allowed in Uganda to sit on an artificial seat.

On his return, he found the king, a good-looking, well-figured, tall
young man of twenty-five, sitting on a red blanket, which formed his
throne, in the state hut. His hair was cut short, with the exception of
a ridge on the top which ran stem to stern, like a cockscomb. He wore
on his neck a large ring with beautifully-worked small beads. On one
arm was another bead ornament, and on the other a wooden charm, and on
every finger and toe he had alternately brass and copper rings, while
above the ankles, half way up to the calf, he had stockings of very
pretty beads.

In front of him were his nobles, squatting on the ground, all habited in
skins, mostly cow-skins, some few--the sign of royal blood--having
leopard-skins girded round their waists. Speke was desired to halt and
sit in the glaring sun, while he was advancing hat in hand. He donned
his hat, mounted his umbrella, and quietly sat down, to observe what was
going on. A white dog, spear, shield, and woman, the Uganda cognisance,
were by the side of the king, as also a knot of staff-officers, with
whom he kept up a brisk conversation, while he took copious draughts
from neat little gourd cups, offered by his ladies-in-waiting.

The traveller could not speak his language, and his interpreter dared
not address the king, it being contrary to etiquette. Conversation was
therefore impossible, and he was very glad, therefore, when at length
his Majesty got up and retired, with a gait which was intended to be
very majestic. It was to represent the step of a lion, but the outward
sweep of the legs looked only like a ludicrous waddle. The king had in
reality gone to eat his breakfast, as he had not broken his fast since
hearing of the traveller's arrival. He quickly returned, and Speke was
again invited in, with his men. He found the king standing on a red
blanket, talking and laughing to a hundred or more of his admiring
wives,