THE PRECEDING NARRATIVE. 
201 
ing which the fkins of beafts afford, are now relinquiflied, for the 
decency and convenience of a drefs of cotton manufadture. 
Tempered by the courtefy of commerce, and the conciUating in- 
terchange of iiilportant benefits, the antient barbarifm of the 
people is foftened to habits of kindnefs ; and, in the minds of 
the greateft part, the abfurd fuperftitions of Paganifm have given 
place to the natural and fubUme idea of the Unity of God. 
From the account of the nations to the South of the Niger ^ 
it appears, that, among the Mahometan Blacks, the flernnefs 
of the MulTelman is foftened by the mildnefs of the Negro ; and 
D d that 
fubjedts are fo ferviceable and obedient unto him, that whenfoever h« command- 
eth them, they will arme themfelves and follow him whither he pleafeth to 
condudl them. They paye unto him none other tribute but the tithes of all their 
" corne : neither hath this King any revenues to maintain his Eftate, but only 
*^ fuch fpoils as he getteth from his next eniraes by often invafions and affaults." 
— " Yet the King feemeth to be marvellous rich ; for his fpurs, his bridles, 
platters, diflies, pots, and other velTels wherein his meat and drink are brought 
" to the table, are all of pure gold : yea, and the chains of his dogs and hounds 
are of gold alfo. Howbeit this King is extremely covetous, for he had much 
rather pay his debts in Haves than in gold. In this kingdome are great multi- 
tudes of Negros and of other people, the names of whom (bicaufe I tarried here 
but one month) I could not well note." 
