COCHINCHINA. 269 
fleet was very numerous ; but whilst the hitter was shu t up 
in port by the adverse monsoon, the same wind was favour- 
able for carrying the former directly into the midst of them. 
He therefore embarked in the spring of the year 1792, and 
putting the whole of his fleet under the direction of two 
French oflicers, who commanded two European vessels, pro- 
ceeded to Quin-7iong. A Monsieur d'Ayot is said to have 
made a dreadful havock among the Cochinchinese junks, 
burning, sinking and destroying all that fell in his way ; 
but, pursuing his successes too far, his vessel took the ground. 
The King, having observed this accident, is said to have re- 
marked that, although it might prove the cause of his losing 
the day, yet that he could not forbear rejoicing at the oppor- 
tunity it afforded him of performing his part as well as d'Ayot. 
" He has done his share," said he, " and I would not wish 
" he should do mine also." 
The attack was so wholly unexpected on the part of Yin- 
1/ac, that he and his Court had gone about thirty miles into 
the country to cnjoj' the pleasure of hunting. On such occa- 
sions the sovereign is not merely attended by a few of his 
courtiers ; the numbers of which the party is composed form 
a little army. The greater part consists, in fact, of soldiers : 
they surround the thickets, and having sprung their game, 
which is generally the hrige elephant, the ferocious tyger, or 
the wild buffalo, they narrow the diameter of the circle till, 
fixing the animal to a spot, they cither kill him with their 
spears or take him prisoner. The alarm of the enemy was 
soon comnumicated to the party of pleasure, and tlie beach 
was presently lined with troops ; but tliey were of httle as- 
7 
