ISO DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 
but considering, that the whole town would prd« 
bably be consumed in consequence, and that he 
might thus draw upon himself the vengeance of 
the inhabitants, he contented himself with follow- 
ing and loading them with the bitterest reproaches, 
adding, that not one should be baptized till they 
had overthrown the execrable Cariabamba, for such 
was the name given to the tutelary idol of this pre- 
tended church. 
Merolla was not now long of reaching the capi- 
tal, where he was introduced to the sovereign, and 
very courteously received. After the first compli- 
ments were over, the missionary began to inquire 
the motive which had induced the king to wish so 
very earnestly for this visit. The king replied, that 
he wished to have a preacher of the gospel within 
his dominions. Merolla asked if there were not 
some other motive ; and, receiving no answer, add- 
ed : " I fancy you sent for me, to put the crown 
" of Congo upon your head." The gracious 
smile of the prince, and the murmur of applause 
from the courtiers, fully confirmed the presenti- 
ment of the missionary. The crown of the kings of 
Congo was then, it seems, in possession of the 
Portuguese, a circumstance of which our author 
gives the following explanation. 
A prince of the name of Don Antonio, having 
ascended the throne of Congo, embroiled himself 
in a war with the Portuguese. He is described as 
■4 monstrous tyrant, and the sole aggressor \ yet it 
