CUSTOxMS. 291 
It has been mentioned before, that the King's sisters are not 
only countenanced in intrigue, with any handsome subject, but 
tiiey are allowed to choose any eminently so, (however inferior 
otherwise,) as a husband; who is presently advised by the King 
of his good fortune ; thus they consider they provide for a per- 
sonal superiority in their monarchs. But if the royal bride dies 
before the husband, unless his rank be originally elevated, he is 
expected to kill himself on the occasion, and also if the only male 
child dies: if he hesitates, he is peremptorily reminded that as 
either are his superiors, to whom he is to be considered as a slave, 
so he must attend them wherever they go ; and when a male child 
is born, the father does it homage and acknowledges his vassalage 
in the most abject manner. 
The Ocra's are distinguished by a large circle of gold suspended 
from the neck ; many of them are favourite slaves, many, com- 
moners who have distinguished themselves, and who are glad to 
stake their Uves on the King's, to be kept free from palavers and 
supported by his bounty, which they are entirely; some few are 
relatives and men of rank. All of the two former classes, excepting 
only the two or three individuals known to have been entrusted 
with the King's state secrets, are sacrificed on his tomb. The royal 
messengers, and others of the suite have been described in the pro- 
cessions; they are sometimes fed in the palace, but they have a free 
seat at the table of every subject. 
The King has a troop of small boys, who carry the fetish bows 
and arrows, and are licensed plunderers ; they are so sly and 
nimble, that it is very diverting lo watch them in the market place, 
which they infest every morning. Whatever they can carry off is 
fair game, and cannot be required or recovered ; but the loser, if 
he can catch them before they arrive at the palace, may beat them 
as severely as he pleases, short of mortal injury ; however, they 
