414 VISIT TO THE KING OF ATTAH. 



which effectually concealed every part of his 

 features, leaving nothing visible but his eyes, 

 nose, and the centre of his mouth. Two eu- 

 nuchs knelt at his feet, whose shoulders served 

 him for a footstool. On our right was an apart- 

 ment, or seraglio, occupied by his women, 

 amounting to about two thousand : we saw 

 about five hundred of his wives, who were dis- 

 tinguished by wearing a quill in their hair, as a 

 symbol of their rank. A trumpeter, stationed 

 near the house, at intervals of a few seconds 

 saluted us with a most discordant bray. 



The morning being excessively hot and sultr'y, 

 we were soon desirous of returning ; but the au- 

 dience was not so easily broken off, and lasted 

 much longer than suited our inclinations. Mr. 

 Allen, finding himself very unwell from his long 

 exposure to the sun, we mentioned the circum- 

 stance to the attendants, and were allowed to 

 enjoy the shade of the hut with the king and 

 queen. I was seated near the latter august per- 

 sonage, who had stained her face, finger-nails, 

 and nails of her feet with henna,* to add to her 



* Henna is a leaf, and is moistened and allowed to re- 

 main on the parts twelve hours. It produces a dark red 

 colour, and is also used to the face, giving it the appearance 

 of the polish of a briglu mahogany table. 



