HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
125 
was always active in forming plans, which he was slow in 
beginning to execute; though, when his operations were 
begun, he spared no pains in their entire accomplishment. 
His views were extensive and ambitious; so much so, that 
nearly the whole of his life was spent in making wars and 
conquests, though, at the same time, he encouraged his 
people in commerce and agriculture, and would occasion¬ 
ally work with his own hands for the sake of exercise, as 
well as to set an example of industry to others. He also 
encouraged the trade and commerce of foreigners with his 
people. In his habits and temperament he was opiniative 
and passionate, so as not unfrequently, in carrying on his 
wars, to be betrayed into acts of barbarous cruelty; though, 
at home, his manners were affable and mild. He loved 
warriors, and admired bravery. His youthful amusements 
were athletic plays, such as running, leaping, climbing, 
handling the shield and spear, or throwing darts at a mark. 
Always sober and temperate in his own living, he enacted 
laws to prohibit the importation of intoxicating liquors 
into Imerina, as well as the growth and importation of 
tobacco. He hated all persons of mean and deceitful cha¬ 
racter, such as calumniators, insulters of elders, flatterers, 
and hypocrites. He respected hoary hairs, loved justice, 
and presided frequently in person on the judgment-seat, to 
watch over the rights of his people, rewarding those who 
administered justice impartially, and severely punishing 
every instance of the contrary. He was very eloquent, and 
liberal and generous to his own people. Yet notwith¬ 
standing these home virtues, his political interests induced 
him to commit many acts of gross injustice towards his 
rivals and the chieftains whom he conquered. During his 
reign, Imerina was tributary to the south-west Sakalavas, 
but Radama shook off the yoke in 1820 .” 
