44 VOyAOE TO MADAGASCAR. 



ever fo powerful as to prcferve him en- 

 tirely from that fonclnefs for the mawellous 

 which often hurries him into the mofl 

 ridiculous ilhifions ; and if in civilifed 

 nations he fometimes artfully conceals this 

 fatal propenfity, it is only becaufe he is 

 a(hamed of his wcaknefs. 



The'Malegaches of the province of Anoffi 

 are lively, fcnfible, and grateful : they are 

 far from being deflitute of intelligence or 

 capacity, Thefe iflanders are paffionately 

 fond of women ; and when in their com- 

 pany never appear fad, or dejeded. Their 

 principal attention is to pleafe the fair fex, 

 who, in this country more than in any 

 other, meet with that refpeiS and deference 

 which are fo ncceflary. to the happinefs of 

 fociety. Man here never commands as a 

 defpot ; nor does the woman ever obey as a 

 flave. Tlie balance of power inclines even 

 in favour of the women. Their empire is 



that 



