brue's first voyage. 
235 
of little value, afforded pleasure by its novelty. 
Being then observed to look attentively at one of 
the daughters, a -young princess of seventeen, she 
was immediately offered to him in marriage. Brue 
declined this honour, on the plea that he was al- 
ready married ; but as this appeared no obstacle 
in the eyes of an African, he was obliged to add, 
that the religion of his country allowed of one 
wife only. This notice gave rise to much specu- 
lation on the part of the African ladies. It was 
agreed, that the lot of an European wife was truly 
enviable ; but Brue was strictly interrogated, how 
far he found it easy to observe fidelity to his con- 
sort, during so long an absence. Suspicions were 
also intimated, that her own constancy, when ex- 
posed to such a trial, could be very little depend- 
ed upon. These remarks, with many other in- 
quiries respecting the manners of France, pro- 
tracted the interview till a late hour. 
Next morning the king came in, and spent two 
or three hours in familiar conversation ; after 
which, they went to a review of the cavahy. On 
their return, our traveller had an opportunity of 
observing the mode in which justice was here ad- 
ministered. The Siratik was surrounded by ten 
old men, who examined the parties separately, 
and made their report to him. No attorney, or 
advocate, was to be seen ; each party pleaded his 
own cause, and the sentence was always executed 
