1792. Svlico, a tale. 219 



_ SELICO, A TALE. 



Continued from p. 189 and concluded. 



Stopped by the first guards, he demanded to be con- 

 ducted to the king \ — his name and purpose is announced, 

 and he is presented to the monarch. The king of Da- 

 homai, covered with gold and precious stones, is half re- 

 clined upon a sopha of scarlet and gold, his "head leaning 

 on the breast of one of his favourites, clothed with petti- 

 coats of brocade, and naked from the waist upwards. 

 The ministers, nobles, and oScers, very richly dre'.t, were 

 prostrated at twenty steps from him; the bravest were 

 distinguifhed by a collar of human teeth, each of which 

 was a mark of a victory. Many women, wivh firelocks on 

 their flioulders, guarded the doors of the apartment : 

 large vases of gold containing palm wine, brandy, and 

 strong li-^uors, were placed indiscriminately, at a little di- 

 stance from the king, and the tloor was paved with the- 

 ikuUs of his enemies. - 



" Sovereign of the world ! said Telone, bowing his fore- 

 head to the ground, I come, according to thy sacred ordi^rs, 



to deliver into thy hands." He could say no more, his 



voice faultered, the king questioned him, but he could not 

 answer. Selico then suoke : ' king of Dahomai, you see 

 before you the criminal who, instigated by a fatal pafsion,, 

 penetrated last night into your seragiio. He who holds, 

 me bound, was so long my confidential friend; that 1 in- 

 trusted him with my secret ; zealous to serve thee, he 

 has betrayed his friend. He surprised me when sleeping,. 

 bound rae, and brings me here to demand thy promised re- 

 compence, give it hira, for the wretch has well earned it.'' 

 The king, without deigning to answer him, makes a sign. 



