a TRAVELS IN 
lead, of the only prefents I am able to beftow^ 
will neither be debafed by tares nor weeds. In 
the fituation in which I live, I find the image 
of my early independence. I have no obftacles 
to overcome, and no corrupt beings to deal 
with, that I may pay to nature the tribute of 
adoration, which £he has a right to expedl 
from the mofh faithful of her lovers. I re- 
enter the defarts of Africa once more to vifit 
her. I fliall paint her as fhe is. She cannot 
but be pleafed at feeing me, when flie learns 
the efforts that, in this happy portion of the 
earth, have been made to revive her worfliip, 
and rebuild her altars. I will fliow her her 
portraits. She will not defpife the drefs in 
which they will be fcen. Can Oie be offended 
if, at fo great a diftance from the country 
where fhe firft appeared to me without either 
paint or attire, a flight veil be thrown over her 
charms ? or rather has fhe not herfelf fixed the 
limits where change of temperature, and greater 
wants imperioufly demand a modification of 
her eljence ? Let it tlien excite nu aftonifibiment 
if, in the; relation of my^ adventures, and de- 
firous of preferving my fincerity, a figh efcape 
me at the fight of her firft image. She had my 
whole, afFedions j I owe to her an account of 
