THE FEAST. 185 
on a great banana-leaf, other servants spread- 
ing yams, potatoes, and bread-fruit upon the 
ground. My chair was brought and placed 
opposite to the Queen, who invited me, with 
much friendliness, to partake of the meal. I 
preferred, however, being an idle spectator, for 
it was still very early in the day, and I had 
no appetite. When all the provisions were 
brought in, the Master of the Ceremonies made 
a leap into the air, flourished his rusty eae 
sword, and then repeated a loud prayer. All 
the company hung down their heads, and 
prayed with him in silence. The prayer being 
concluded, the Master of the Ceremonies seized 
the baked pig by the hind-legs and tore it in 
two; then, having carved the whole with his 
broad-sword, laid a tolerably large portion on 
leaves before each member of the Royal Family, 
who immediately attacked it with a good appe- 
tite, helping themselves with fingers and teeth, 
instead of knife and fork. During the repast, 
the suite ate nothing, but remained looking on, 
and I did not perceive that they were indemnified 
for their abstinence, even when the residue of 
the feast was carried out. When the repast 
