HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
261 
cheer, and those who were to clap their hands should clap, 
while all were humming or singing the national “ Hoo-oo- 
oo.” The females sang some detached expressions in 
praise of the monarch, such as, Ny Andrianay Ehe—O our 
king. Tsara Andriana—is a good king. Ny Zanahary nay 
Ehe—O our God. Tsara Andriana—is a good king. 
While the vast concourse of people were thus occupied 
shouting, clapping, hooing, and singing till the earth and 
air seemed to reverberate with their demonstrations of joy, 
the king advanced amidst the shouts and singing of his 
own immediate attendants, the roar of cannon, and the 
music of his band. Whether he arrived on his horse, or in 
a chair or palanquin, he must alight on the holy stone in 
Andohalo, and from thence proceed to the temporary stage 
erected for the day, where on taking his seat the national 
air was played. The people then saluted the king; twenty, 
thirty, or forty thousand voices uniting in one shout. 
The salute consists of a few words, merely to assure 
the monarch that no deceit is intended, and to congra¬ 
tulate him upon having obtained the kingdom. 
Radama then rose and replied. “Well! well! O beloved, 
even well.” After which he recounted his pedigree, repeated 
his inalienable right to the throne, assigning reasons for 
remaining absent so long, and recounting his achievements 
and the progress of the war. 
The customary hasina, or tribute, was then presented, 
after which, amidst shouting, singing, and music, he with¬ 
drew from the stage, and retired to his palace; on entering 
which, his troops saluted him, presenting arms and saying, 
—may you live to become old, sire—may you not suffer 
affliction. Veloma (replied the king,) ry malala—live long, 
O beloved. Corresponding ceremonies usually attend the 
public or state movements of the sovereign of Madagascar. 
