1773. ROUND THE WORLD. 179 



dling class of people, among whom Omai is to be 

 ranked. I have, however, since my arrival in Eng- 

 land, been convinced of my error : for, excepting 

 his complexion, (which is undoubtedly of a deeper 

 hue than that of the earees or gentry, who, as in 

 other countries, live a more luxurious life, #nd are 

 less exposed to the heat of the sun,) I much doubt 

 whether any other of the natives w r ould have given 

 more general satisfaction by his behaviour among us. 

 Omai has most certainly a very good understanding, 

 quick parts, and honest principles ; he has a natural 

 good behaviour, which rendered him acceptable to 

 the best company, and a proper degree of pride, 

 which taught him to avoid the society of persons of 

 inferior rank. He has passions of the same kind as 

 other young men, but has judgment enough not to 

 indulge them in an improper excess. I do not 

 imagine that he has any dislike to liquor; and if he 

 had fallen into company where the person who drank 

 the most met with the most approbation, I have no 

 doubt but that he would have endeavoured to gain 

 the applause of those with whom he associated ; but, 

 fortunately for him, he perceived that drinking was 

 very little in use but among inferior people, and as 

 he was very watchful into the manners and conduct 

 of the persons of rank who honoured him with 

 their protection, he was sober and modest ; and 

 I never heard that, during the whole time of his 

 stay in England, which was two years, he ever once 

 was disguised with wine, or ever showed an inclin- 

 ation to go beyond the strictest rules of moderation. 



Soon after his arrival in London, the Earl of Sand- 

 wich, the first lord of the admiralty, introduced him 

 to his Majesty at Kew, when he met with a most 

 gracious reception, and imbibed the strongest im- 

 pression of duty and gratitude to that great and 

 amiable prince, which I am persuaded he will pre- 

 serve to the latest moment of his life. During his 

 stay among us he was caressed by many of the prin- 



N 2 



