chap. xv. THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF MADAGASCAR. 409 
three or even six months; and therefore, as the queen 
thought it better that I should not remain till the summer 
of next year, I had not sought to prolong my stay for any 
shorter period, but should cheerfully return to the home I 
had only left for a season, and where my arrival would be 
cordially welcomed. 
The prince then adverted to graver matters; and, alluding 
to a report which it was said had been recently brought to 
the capital, that the English and French were both coming 
to attack Madagascar during the ensuing year, he said, “ Why 
is this? Who makes these reports? Why should we be 
attacked, and our country taken from us ? What can we do 
to prevent our country being seized, and ourselves made 
slaves?” I replied that I did not know who brought the 
reports alluded to, but believed there was no actual danger of 
such a calamity; for I was sure that if England had any cause 
of complaint against them she would let them know, and 
seek its removal by peaceable means, before sending to attack 
them. 
The prince afterwards said, ee What can we do to promote 
the prosperity and stability of the nation, that Madagascar may 
become like other countries?” I replied, “The prosperity 
and stability of Madagascar depend upon yourselves. The 
nation will be what you yourselves make it. Others may aid 
your upward or downward course, but you must determine 
the direction of that course. I do not know, but my opinion 
is, that if you lose your country it will be because you are 
not true to yourselves; it will be because you will have been 
betrayed by your own selves, or have forfeited your just and 
proper advantages. Prosperity cannot be provided for you 
by others; it must be your own achievement, if you ever 
possess it.” 
a How can we attain it?” the prince inquired. I answered, 
“ With the blessing of Grod you may attain it by intelligence. 
