i 



of the river, he landed there with his family. Several of us followed 

 his example, from a wish to explore the country. No tents were 

 pitched, nor any accommodation provided for the ladiesof his zenana, 

 who were obliged to pass some time under the humble roof of the 

 English serjeant posted at Domus. There I first saw these females, 

 seven in number, besides their attendants: one of them was hand- 

 some, all richly drest, and covered with jewels ; they appeared 

 distressed at their situation, and were much struck by the novelty 

 of Europeans. While we gratified their curiosity, we enjoyed no 

 common opportunity of indulging our own; but a jealous eunuch 

 soon deprived us of this mutual satisfaction, and hurried them to 

 the temple, whither Ragobah had retired. 



The next morning some splendid tents were pitched for the 

 reception of the chief and council at Surat, who came to pay a 

 visit of ceremony to Ragobah at Domus: on taking leave the 

 chief presented him, in the name of the English company, with 

 three Arabian horses, some bales of the finest scarlet broad-cloth, 

 and a valuable assortment of shawls, keemcobs, and muslin. The 

 English gentlemen accompanied Ragobah from the tent of audi- 

 ence to the water-side; where, previous to his entering the boat, 

 he stood for some time, without his turban, gazing steadfastly at the 

 sun; he then prostrated himself on the ground, and continued a few 

 minutes in silent prayer. 



On reaching Surat-bar the weather was boisterous, and we 

 encountered so rough a sea that it was impossible to reach our 

 respective vessels. While attempting to gain the yacht appro- 

 priated to the colonel and his staff, we were obliged to take refuge 

 in the vessel destined for Ragobah and his family, where we had 



