INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 267 
selves in a circle round her. They then give her a series of 
instructions, and point out, with great propriety, what ought 
to be her future conduct in life. This scene of instruction, 
however, is frequently interrupted by girls, who amuse the 
company with songs and dances, which are rather more remark- 
able for their gaiety than delicacy. While the bride remains 
within the hut with the women, the bridegroom devotes his 
attention to the guests of both sexes, who assemble without 
doors, and by distributing among them small presents of kolla- 
nuts, and seeing that every one partakes of the good cheer 
which is provided, he contributes much to the general hilarity 
of the evening. When supper is ended, the company spend 
the remainder of the night in singing and dancing, and seldom 
separate until daybreak. About midnight, the bride is pri- 
vately conducted by the women into the hut which is to be 
her future residence ; and the bridegroom, upon a signal given, 
retires from his company. The new married couple, however, 
are always disturbed towards morning by the women, who 
assemble to inspect the nuptial sheet, (according to the manners 
of the ancient Hebrews, as recorded in Scripture,) and dance 
round it. This ceremony is thought indispensably necessary ; 
nor is the marriage considered as valid without it. 
The Negroes, as hath been frequently observed, whether 
Mahomedan or Pagan, allow a plurality of wives. The Maho- 
medans alone, are by their religion confined to four, and as 
the husband commonly pays a great price for each, he requires 
from all of them the utmost deference and submission, and 
treats them more like hired servants, than companions. They 
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