THE queen's favourite. 225 



exclaimed, " I have eaten famously !" These 

 were the first words her important business had 

 allowed her time to utter. By the assistance 

 of her attendants, she then turned upon her 

 back, and made a sign with her hand to a tail, 

 strong fellow, who seemed well practised in his 

 office ; he immediately sprang upon her body, 

 and kneaded her as unmercifully with his knees 

 and fists as if she had been a trough of bread. 

 This was done to favour digestion ; and her 

 Majesty, after groaning a little at this ungentle 

 treatment, and taking a short time to recover 

 herself, ordered her royal person to be again 

 turned on the stomach, and recommenced her 

 meal. This account, whatever appearance of 

 exaggeration it may bear, is literally true, as 

 all my officers, and the other gentlemen who 

 accompanied me, will witness. 



M. Preuss, who lived in the neighbourhood 

 of the lady, frequently witnessed similar meals, 

 and maintains that Nomahanna and her fat hoa 

 were the greatest curiosities in Wahu. The 

 latter is in particular favour with the Queen, 

 who feeds him almost to death : he is black, 

 and of extraordinary size and fatness : two 

 L 5 



