chap. xv. THE LAST NIGHT AT THE CAPITAL. 
421 
after knowledge in reference to so simple a thing as a thermo¬ 
meter, I said I felt persuaded, existed in reference to far more 
important things. 
I have adverted to these conversations as indicating the 
views and feelings of those with whom I had most frequent 
intercourse. I felt that all I could do was to endeavour to 
lodge some germs of useful thought in their open and inquir¬ 
ing minds. 
At length the prince, observing that it was nearly ten 
o’clock, apologised for having stayed so late. He said the 
cannon would soon fire, when all doors would be closed; and 
adding that they ought not to set an example of violating the 
regulations of the capital, he gave orders for preparing to 
depart. He then proposed my health, directing the band at 
the same time to play the English “ Grod save the Queen.” 
The prince and princess, with their niece, then took their leave, 
and entering their palanquins, departed amidst a profusion of 
lanterns and a crowd of attendants. 
After they had left, many of my friends came, successive 
parties arriving until nearly midnight. We commended each 
other to Grod as we separated; and I gave them all my stock of 
medicine. Two of their number, one of whom understands 
English, had acquired some knowledge of the use of English 
medicine from Dr. Powell of Mauritius, who, when formerly 
resident in Madagascar, had given medical instruction to 
several of the Malagasy youth. I also gave to them a number 
of useful articles, and left others to be sold, and the proceeds 
to be distributed amongst the afflicted and the destitute. 
By daylight on Friday, the 26th of September, I was stirring, 
and finished my packing. Several of my patients came, some 
bringing presents, memorials, as they said, of their sense of 
my kindness, and many of my friends came to say farewell. 
Before breakfast the prince, with two of his attendants, came 
to say that he and several of his friends intended to accompany 
EE 3 
