A F R I C y\. 153 
pleafure In encouraging them ; and in propor- 
tion as I fliewed more franknefs, good -nature, 
and attention, they were the lefs timid before me. 
Often indeed, when in better humour, or more 
favourably difpofed by the fight of a charming 
evening, after the fatigues of the day, I felt my- 
felf hurried away by an involuntary charm, and 
I gently yielded to the illufion. I then faw them 
contending who fhould £hew moft wit to pleafe 
me ; and the beft ftory-teller could judge fa- 
vourably of his performance by the profound 
filence which prevailed among us. I know not 
what powerful attraction continually carries 
me back to thefe peaceful fcenes. I ftill behold 
myfelf in the middle of my camp, furrounded 
by my people and animals : a plant, a flower, 
a fragment of rock, fcattered here and there — 
nothing efcapes my memory; and this fpefta- 
cle, always afFe£ting, every where amufes and 
follows me. 
Our converfations were fometimes prolong- 
ed till very late at night ; and I mufl candidly 
confefs that lively fallies which greatly delight- 
ed me, often efcaped from thefe clownifh 
people, who had never been polifhed by edu^ 
Ration. I alked them many queftions j above 
all, 
