y candle-light at the graves of their deceased kindred, whom
they invite to partake.[28] It lasts three nights and the intermediate
days; when, by command of the king, every house must new gravel the
street before its door, and hang out candles all night. I was not slack
in obeying this order, and I was informed that a poor man was put to
death and his house shut up, for neglecting to comply with the order. On
this occasion, the China captain furnished me with two very decent paper
lanthorns. Being informed that the kings intended to ride about the
streets, and to make me a visit, I provided a banquet for them, and
waited till after midnight, but they came not. The 20th, 21st, and 22d,
I sent presents to both the kings, being informed that such was the
custom of the country, sending them wine and confections; as likewise to
_Nobesane_ the young king's brother; to _Semidono_, the old king's
governor, and to _Unagense_, which were all very thankfully accepted.
Some _cavalliers_, or Japanese gentlemen, came to visit me during the
festival, to whom I gave the best entertainment I could procure.

[Footnote 28: This pagan feast is a kind of Candlemas or
Allsouls.--_Purchas_.]

The 23d we made an end of landing our gunpowder, being in all
ninety-nine barrels, of which I advised our general by letter,
requesting him to reserve a sufficiency for the ship, in case he sold it
to the emperor. We landed several other things, which the master thought
had best be sent ashore, as our men began to filch and steal, that they
might go to taverns and brothels. This day Mr Melsham the purser and I
dined with Semidono, who used us kindly. The master and Mr Eaton were
likewise invited, but did not go. The great festival ended this day,
when three troops of dancers went about the town, with flags or banners,
their music being drums and _pans_,[29] to the sound of which they
danced at the doors of all the great men, as also at their pagodas and
at the sepulchres.

[Footnote 29: Probably _gongs_, which very much resemble a brass
frying-pan.--E.]

The 24th at night, all the streets were hung with candles, as the young
king and his brother, with _Semidono, Nabesone_, and many others, went
in masquerade to dance at the house of the old king. The young king and
his brother were on horseback, having canopies carried over them, all
the rest being a-foot, and they were accompanied by drums and _kettles_,
as the before-mentioned dancers, _Nabesone_