260 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
The customs observed by Radama, on returning to his 
capital after war, or on any other important occasion, which 
had called him from home, may not be deemed unworthy 
of notice. 
While still at a considerable distance from his capital, he 
usually sent a messenger or letter to announce his arrival: 
“AndI, saith LahidamaManjaka, tell you, the twelve females, 
(that is, the twelve wives of the sovereign), and the judges, 
and all the heads of the people, that I am coming home; on 
Friday, (should that day have been selected), I depart from 
this place, and on three returns of Friday I shall arrive at 
Tananarivo—so I inform you. Tell all the people to dress 
well, for I am coming.” 
On receiving the message, the twelve wives and judges 
would send a crier to the markets, saying, “I, saith 
Lahidama Manjaka, tell the Ambaniandro, (subjects of 
the Hova government) that I am coming to town on such a 
day. The brown cloth is to appear—(meaning, that they 
are not to dress beyond their ability; which injunction is 
received as implying that they are to dress as well as they 
can.) Come up to Tananarivo, that we may salute him— 
let it be seen who will attend on Friday at his own place 
in Andohalo ; say the judges and the twelve wives.” 
When the king had advanced till within about twenty 
miles of the capital, cannon were fired, to announce the 
circumstance, and orders sent to Tananarivo, with directions 
as to the salutes, the marshalling of the troops, sending 
palanquins, and other preparations for a public welcome. 
Prior to the king’s entrance into his capital, a vast concourse 
of people, assembled from the districts, were seated on the 
ground with much order, awaiting the appearance of their 
sovereign. The judges occupied their own station on the 
occasion, giving orders that those who were to cheer should 
