224 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR 
dressed and accoutred, and drawn out in honour of our 
reception. Though I have had frequent occasion to wit¬ 
ness the orderly appearance of these people under arms, 
and the evidence they afford of the indefatigable labour 
and skilful discipline of Mr. Brady, I must confess I was 
astonished at their present appearance. The lines ex¬ 
tended all the way to the palace (a building which in this 
country really merits the name); the court-yard being 
crowded with drums, shell-blowers, and singing-women. 
As I reached the head of the lines, the king appeared, 
coming from the old court-yard, and he received me with 
joy. I introduced to his notice my companion Mr. Jones, to 
whom he gave his hand with pleasure, accepting the hasina, 
or tribute, from each of us according to custom; after which 
he led us to the palace, and we ascended to the state¬ 
room by a massive ladder. I could not conceal my surprise 
on entering this elegant apartment, which was furnished 
and decorated in a very superior style. The king was 
quite overcome with joy, and took such extraordinary 
means of shewing it as I never before witnessed. He 
hugged me in his arms, pulling me close to him, and burst 
into such peals of laughter, that he was unable to retain 
his seat. He frequently called out my name in a most 
friendly tone, and then took hold of me, as if to ascertain 
that I was really present with him. After a little time 
the troops were dismissed, and an excellent repast served 
up, to which Prince Rataffe, Field-marshal Rafaralahy, 
Majors Rameno, Ramanetaka, Ramananolona, Captain Ra- 
marosikina, Mr. Brady the English drill, Mr. Robin the 
secretary, Mr. Jones, and myself, sat down. The king, 
seated at the head of the table, ate but little, and was very 
attentive to his guests, repeatedly asking after his excel¬ 
lency Governor Farquhar and his family, and our sovereign 
