le.

The Dutch and English officers were invited to a very sumptuous dinner,
at a table provided for the emperor and all the kings. The first toast
after dinner was the dead king's health. Next they drank Mynheer
Company's health, which was accompanied with a volley of small arms and
paterreros. The singularity of Mynheer Company's health, led us to
request an explanation; when we were informed, they found it necessary to
make them believe that Mynheer Company was a great and powerful king,
lest they should not be inclined to pay that submission to a company of
merchants.

The inaugural ceremony at the installation of the young king, was
performed by his drinking a bumper of brandy and gunpowder, stirred round
with the point of a sword. After being invested with the regal dignity,
he came down in state, to pay his respects to the governor. As he was
preceded by music, and colours flying, every one turned out to see him.
Amongst the rest was a captive king in chains, who was employed blowing
the bellows to our armourer, whilst he was forging bolts and fetters for
our prisoners and convicts. Here the sunshine of prosperity, and the
mutability of human greatness, were excellently pourtrayed.

By a policy in the Dutch, in supplying the petty princes with ammunition
and warlike stores, feuds and dissentions are kindled amongst them; and
they are kept so completely engaged in civil war, that they have no time
to observe the encroachments of strangers. That domestic strife serves
likewise amply to supply the slave trade from the prisoners of both
parties. They, however, some time since, made head against the common
enemy, and forced the Dutch to retire within their trenches.

It is the custom, in this climate, to bathe morning and evening. A fine
river, which runs in the centre of the town, is conveniently situated for
that purpose; and we availed ourselves of it when our strength would
permit. Nature has been profusely lavish, in producing, in the
neighbourhood of this place, all the varied powers of landscape that the
most luxuriant fancy can suggest. But, while enjoying the picturesque
beauties of the scene, or sheltering in the translucent stream from the
fervour of meridian heat, you are suddenly chilled with fear, from the
terrific aspect of the alligator, or crested snake, and a number of
venomous reptiles, with which this country abounds. There is one in
particular called the cowk cowk; it is the most disgusting loo