390 The Natural Historg 



some time, and at his return told us, that the Message from 

 the King was, to desire us to make him a Visit, assuring us 

 at the same time of his Friendship. This Message occasioned 

 several Debates to arise amongst us, concerning the conse- 

 quence that might attend it ; we seemed unwilling to go, 

 which he perceiving, assured us in the strongest Terms of 

 our safety, and the Sincerity and Friendship of the King. 

 At length, rather than incur his Displeasure (notwithstand- 

 ing we were determined to sell our Lives at the dearest rate, if 

 we met with any opposition) we complied, and arrived about 

 six o'clock at the Indian Town (attended with the Guards 

 that came with the Ambassador, who marched at some dis- 

 tance from us) and were conducted to the State House, 

 where the King was seated with his War Captains and Coun- 

 cellors, who got up and placed us next to him ; after we had 

 paid our due acknowledgements to him, and made him some 

 Presents, he then began to enquire the Reasons of our com- 

 ing thither, and among other things, Hoiv his Brother did, 

 meaning the Governor; and many other such like Speeches 

 passed between us. After we had satisfied him in each par- 

 ticular that he demanded, he bid us welcome, shaking Hands 

 with each of us ; assuring us of his Friendship, and the gi*eat 

 Regard he had for those of our E'ation. The few Presents 

 we gave (which were Knives, Glass Beads, Punch, and the 

 like) had made so favourable an Impression in the Breast of 

 his Majesty, and all his Councellors, in our behalf, that the 

 King's Orders were issued out immediately, strictly charg- 

 ing all his Subjects to treat us in the most friendly manner, 

 and supply us with whatever we had occasion for during our 

 Pleasure to stay amongst them. After all these Speeches 

 were ended, towards Night we were dismissed, and conducted 

 to one of the King's Houses (being an Apartment prepared 



for 



