KING OBIE. 385 



six times. When we were seated, he embraced 

 me twice very affectionately according to the 

 custom of the country. King Obie * stands up- 

 wards of six feet high ; he is very muscular, with 

 an intelligent countenance and dignified deport- 

 ment, and a quick and long step. He wore a pair 

 of scarlet trousers that fitted tightly round the 

 legs; no shoes or sandals; round his ankles were 

 seventeen strings of coral, secured on the inside 

 with a large brass button ; he had a scarlet coat, 

 made by his own tailor, and cut like the coats of 

 the sixteenth century. On his head was a cap 

 made of red cloth, and trimmed with gold lace ; 

 over this, a splendid general's cap, with the king's 

 arms on a beautiful plate in front, given to him by 

 Mr. Lander. The chair which we had brought was 

 placed in the centre of the yard ; he examined it 

 very attentively, and then seating himself in it, 

 called for a looking-glass. He then proceeded to 

 examine himself in it, and burst out into a loud 

 laugh, thinking himself, no doubt, the happiest 

 of monarchs. He remained thus surveying and 

 laughing at himself alternately for some time, and 

 would have kept me longer had I not reminded 



* The Eboe name for king. — Obesity is here considered 

 a mark of gentility. 



VOL. I. 2 c 



