CHAP. XV. THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF MADAGASCAR. 409 



three or even six months; and therefore, as the queen 

 thought it better that I should not remain till the summer 

 of next year, I had not sought to prolong my stay for any 

 shorter period, but should cheerfully return to the home I 

 had only left for a season, and where my arrival would be 

 cordially welcomed. 



The prince then adverted to graver matters ; and, alluding 

 to a report which it was said had been recently brought to 

 the capital, that the English and French were both coming 

 to attack Madagascar during the ensuing year, he said, " Why 

 is this ? Who makes these reports ? Why should we be 

 attacked, and oiu- country taken from us ? What can we do 

 to prevent our country being seized, and ourselves made 

 slaves?" I replied that I did not know who brought the 

 reports alluded to, but believed there was no actual danger of 

 such a calamity ; for I was sure that if England had an}^ cause 

 of complaint against them she would let them know, and 

 seek its removal by peaceable means, before sending to attack 

 them. 



The prince afterwards said, "What can we do to promote 

 the prosperity and stability of the nation, that Madagascar may 

 become like other countries?" I replied, "The prosperity 

 and stability of Madagascar depend upon yourselves. The 

 nation will be what you yourselves make it. Others may aid 

 your upward or downward coiu-se, but you must determine 

 the direction of that course. I do not know, but my opinion 

 is, that if you lose your country it will be because you are 

 not true to yourselves ; it will be because you will have been 

 betrayed by your own selves, or have forfeited your just and 

 proper advantages. Prosperity cannot be provided for you 

 by others; it must be your own achievement, if you ever 

 possess it." 



"How can we attain it?" the prince inquired. I answered, 

 " With the blessing of Grod you may attain it by intelligence. 



