y of their language, which is also the same with that of the
ancient Scythians--The Baron is declared sovereign of the interior
of Africa on the decease of the Emperor--He endeavours to abolish the
custom of eating live bulls, which excites much discontent--The advice
of Hilaro Frosticos upon the occasion--The Baron makes a speech to an
Assembly of the states, which only excites greater murmurs--He consults
with Hilaro Frosticos._

Having passed over the nearest mountains we entered a delightful vale,
where we perceived a multitude of persons at a feast of living bulls,
whose flesh they cut away with great knives, making a table of the
creature's carcase, serenaded by the bellowing of the unfortunate
animal. Nothing seemed requisite to add to the barbarity of this feast
but _kava_, made as described in Cook's voyages, and at the conclusion
of the feast we perceived them brewing this liquor, which they drank
with the utmost avidity. From that moment, inspired with an idea of
universal benevolence, I determined to abolish the custom of eating live
flesh and drinking of kava. But I knew that such a thing could not be
immediately effected, whatever in future time might be performed.

Having rested ourselves during a few days, we determined to set out
towards the principal city of the empire. The singularity of our
appearance was spoken of all over the country as a phenomenon. The
multitude looked upon Sphinx, the bulls, the crickets, the balloons, and
the whole company, as something more than terrestrial, but especially
the thunder of our fire-arms, which struck horror and amazement into the
whole nation.

We at length arrived at the metropolis, situated on the banks of a noble
river, and the emperor, attended by all his court, came out in grand
procession to meet us. The emperor appeared mounted on a dromedary,
royally caparisoned, with all his attendants on foot through respect
for his Majesty. He was rather above the middle stature of that country,
four feet three inches in height, with a countenance, like all his
countrymen, as white as snow! He was preceded by a band of most
exquisite music, according to the fashion of the country, and his whole
retinue halted within about fifty paces of our troop. We returned the
salute by a discharge of musketry, and a flourish of our trumpets
and martial music. I commanded our caravan to halt, and dismounting,
advanced uncovered, with only two attendants, towards his Majesty. The