284 
CIVILITY OF THE PRINCESS. 
daughter of the Att^h, a very pretty girl of seventeen 
or eighteen, whose only garment was a blue cotton 
cloth folded negligently round the loins. Her arms 
were each encumbered with fifteen brass rings, so 
weighty, that she was obliged to rest them on the 
shoulders of her attendants ; the toes were also deco- 
rated with metallic rings. The perforated ears had each 
a blue cylindrical bead; the hail- combed into a 
ridge traversing the back of the head. Amada Buc 
received her guests kindly, smiled, held out her hands 
and saluted them with the usual congi-atulation, “ Siniih,” 
or “ God protect you.” It appeared she was at present 
in retirement, sorrowing according to native fashion for her 
husband, who had died some time previously. Having 
sent a message to the Attah, who would announce when 
he was ready to receive the strangers, she examined in 
the meantime the small presents for her brother, and 
one for herself, with which she was much gi-atified. 
Tired of waiting for the royal answer, the officers walked 
round the town, and returned in an hour ; but stiU no 
summons, which rather annoyed them, as they were 
fatigued, and had unfortunately landed before breakfast. 
The courteous widow, however, begged them to remain 
a short time longer, when she came back with two slaves, 
each bearing a wooden dish, which was placed before the 
visitors. Another attendant brought in a brass basin 
containing water, into which she dipped her fingers 
gracefully, then stooped and uncovered the dishes, taking 
out a little from each, which she ate, to show it was 
