254 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
parties, each commenced the mirary, or war-songs, in the 
form of prayers and benedictions for the safety and success 
of the king and the army, accompanied by imprecations on 
the enemy. They stood with their faces turned towards the 
west, the direction of the Sakalava country, holding rods in 
their hands, and which they brandished like spears, and 
endeavouring by every kind of warlike movement to excite 
themselves to enthusiasm. This practice was continued 
every morning and evening, and sometimes through the 
principal part of each day. The words of the song consisted 
chiefly of the praises of the sovereign, such as “ God is 
gone to the west,” “ Conquer wherever thou goest.” The 
warriors w r ere also supposed to be addressed, “ Bravely use 
the spear,” &c. 
The expedition lasted until the end of the month of 
October. Its principal object was to search for Ramitraha 
and his people, and to seize whatever booty could be secured. 
In these pursuits their conduct is said rather to have re¬ 
sembled the ravening of wmlves than the deliberate attack 
of warriors. If they could seize cattle, or surprise a few 
defenceless people, they rushed upon them with fury. In 
the moment of danger, no one took thought for his neigh¬ 
bour, or cared for maintaining his post of honour. Each 
one’s motto seemed to be, to take care of himself, seizing 
whatever booty could be obtained, or effecting his escape 
whenever danger threatened. 
Fever, and the want of provisions, proved dreadfully 
destructive to the troops in this expedition. It was calcu¬ 
lated that not fewer than twenty-five or thirty thousand 
perished in the campaign, and most of these from hunger. 
The stock of provisions carried from Imerina was consumed, 
and no supplies could be obtained. Even Radama himself, 
and the British agent, had a mere handful of rice, and a 
