Chapter VII: Part 7

This was in Effect, the true Account of the most bloody Massacre that was committed upon these unhappy Men; the Story of which, it may be imagined, must throw the poor Molotto into the utmost Consternation and Fear, as imagining himself to be near suffering some cruel Death; sometimes he flattered himself that they would spare him, because of his being a Molotto, but on the other Side, when he reflected on his having given the white Men a good Character, he look'd upon himself to be a dead Man, thinking that alone was sufficient to destroy him.

Betwixt these Doubts and Fears he pass'd the Night, in a Place all covered with Nastiness, where there was not the least Conveniency for easing Nature, and where, had his Mind been at rest, it would have been hard for him to have slept. In the Morning a Man look'd thro' one of the Holes, and with great Joy in his Countenance, told him, there were more white Men coming on Shore; the Fellow did not relate it as good News to him, but told it for the Pleasure they should have in destroying more of them. The Molotto wish'd within himself, that he could have given Notice of what had pass'd, and some Advice to beware of themselves, but it was safest for him to keep his Wishes to himself; therefore he said nothing. Some Hours after he was sent to go again before the King; now he thought his Execution was at Hand, but when he was brought into the King's Presence, they put a Letter into his Hand, commanding him to tell what it meant, for that those who had come on Shore had stuck it upon a Pole, and went off before they could be spoke to. He saw at one Cast of an Eye, that it was from the Captain, who talk'd of Ransom, and a sudden Thought came into his Head, that if he had explained it to the King, they would make him some Way instrumental, in decoying more of the Men on Shore, in order to murder them; and knowing his Companions to be past all Ransom, he said he did not know the Ways of the white Men, and could not understand what that meant. The King then ask'd him if he could persuade the white Men, who were at that Time lying at an Anchor, in their Boat some Distance from the Land, to come on Shore, he answered he would endeavour to do it, if it was his Pleasure; upon which the King whisper'd with some others, who were near him, but said no more of it, as being unwilling to trust him. And the Truth on't is, he designed to tell them what had pass'd, and if the Natives did not hold him fast, to throw himself into the Sea, and venture to swim to them, not doubting, but those in the Boat might with their Fire Arms, secure him from being pursued, but they gave no Opportunity of making the Attempt.

The King then call'd for one of the Fire-Arms, which had been taken in the Boat, and commanded him to shew them how they were to be used, which he was forced to do; and they made use of them soon after, by firing at the Boat as has been related. He was then carried back to Prison, and talking with the Jaylor (whom in their Language they call _Kasboo_) he ask'd him what he thought the King intended to do with him? The Jaylor answered, he was sure he did not intend to have him kill'd, as the white Men had been, because he had ordered him to give him Food; this News a little revived his drooping Spirits, accordingly he brought him some Plantanes and Bonanas, which was the first Nourishment he had taken since he came on Shore; and having refreshed himself therewith, and with an _Alabo_ of Water, that is, a Vessel not unlike a Pitcher, he begg'd for something to clean the Place, the Jaylor brought him a Parcel of green Sticks tied together, which they call a _Tosee_, and serves for the Use of a Broom; with this and a Thing like a Shovel, he made a Shift to sweeten the Place pretty well; when it was done, he observed an old Man looking thro' one of the Holes at him, with whom he fell into Discourse, and enquired of him whether the Ship was gone, the old Man told him no, but that there was another Boat with white Men lying off the Land, and that there were great Numbers of People from the Town lying in Wait for their coming on Shore. He begg'd this old Man to get him a few Palmatu Leaves to lay on the Floor under him, which the old Man did, so that that Night he rested very comfortably to what he had done before.

The next Morning he was again sent for before the King, who ask'd him, if he could kill a _Coway_ with one of those Musquets? he answered he could, and glad he was to be so employed, thinking by these Means he might please the King, at least gain his Favour so far, as to induce him to spare his Life. He was led out to the River-side, the King himself being in Company, and one of the Musquets was put into his Hand, he took the Ball and beat it into a great Length, and then divided it into small Bits about the Size of Swan Shot, for he would not venture to shoot with a single Ball, not knowing but his Life might depend upon the Success of his Shoot, by these Means he kill'd one the first Shot. The King seemed very well pleased, and made him charge the Piece again in the same Manner, and taking it into his own Hands discharged it at another _Coway_ which he also kill'd.

A _Coway_ is a fine beautiful Bird larger than a Swan, and not much unlike it in Shape, the Body is as white as Milk, but the Tuft it wears on its Head, as also its Tail, are adorned with Variety of Colours, the Bill is a little crooked, and uneven, its Legs of a fine Yellow, but its Form is best expressed by the Figure. They are in great Plenty always living near the Water, hatching fourteen or fifteen young Ones at a Time, and set four Times a Year; they are excellent to eat, nor do they taste at all fishy.

After this, he was ordered back to his Prison, as he went along he ask'd the Jaylor (with whom he was now grown more familiar) what he thought the King intended to do with him. The _Kasboo_ or Jaylor told him, he believed he intended to keep him there till the Ship (which they call a _Schabew_) and the white Men were gone, and that then he would order him to be releas'd from his Confinement, and employ him in some Service. The Jaylor seem'd to talk to him, and use him in a much kinder Manner than before; and when he arrived at the Prison, he brought him a _Patue_ (in their Language a Dish) of boiled Rice with Oyl, which is look'd upon to be very good Food; he left him two large _Alaboes_ or Pitchers of Water, sufficient to drink and to clean his Kennel, after which, he took a comfortable Nights Rest.

The poor Fellow now began to wish that the Ship was gone, since he had no Prospect of making his Escape, and that their Departure would procure him greater Liberty. Next Morning seeing the old Man who had furnish'd him with the Palmatu Leaves, looking thro' one of the Holes at him, he enquired of him, whether the Ship was still in Sight? He told him it was, that there were still great Numbers of People lying behind the Bank, having with them those Things which were taken in the Boats, describing the Musquets, and great Numbers of Arrows, ready to shoot if they should either Land, or come near enough with their Ship; he begg'd of him to let him know what should happen, and particularly to inform him when the Ship should go off: The old Man whose Name was _Morasab_, seem'd obliging and kind, and promised him to do so, and that he would return towards Night (which in their Language they call _Raham_.)

A little after the _Kasboo_ or Jaylor came in, bringing some Plantanes and Bonana's to him for his Breakfast, and opened a Door which went into a little back Yard, where there was a Spring of fine fresh Water, bidding him draw what Water he pleased in his _Alaboes_, and clean his Prison, leaving the Place open to him for that Purpose, there being no Way for him to get out; towards Evening he came to him again, bringing him some boyl'd Rice and Oyl, and then he shut up the Door before described, and leaving him Water enough, left him for that Night.

_Morasab_ appeared at one of the Holes according to his Promise, acquainting him, that the Ship remained still in the same Station, and that the Boat had not been seen near the Land that Day. Next Morning _Morasab_ came again, and with great Joy told him, the Ship was then going off, being under Sail; a little after the _Kasboo_ or Jaylor came in as usual, bringing some boyl'd Rice, and gave him the same Account of the Ship.

Tho' he despaired now of ever getting off, yet he expected to be enlarged from his Prison, and enjoy Liberty, the sweetest Thing to Man. In the Evening _Morazab_ came again to let him know, that the Ship was almost out of Sight, and that the King had sent a Party of Men to the East, and another to the West, to watch the Coast, and lye in Wait for the white Men, in Case they should Land any where else for Water or to get Provisions. The next Day he came again and gave him Notice, that Word had been brought to the King that the Ship had been seen again a great Way off to the Westward, but that the Men had not come on Shore; and the Day following he visited him again, with an Account, that News was brought to the King that the Ship was gone off again, and sail'd out of Sight.

Upon this, he expected to be immediately releas'd from his Confinement, yet he was kept close to his Prison ten Days longer; the Reason as he afterwards found, was, least the Ship might be hovering somewhere upon the Coast, and having his Liberty he might find an Opportunity of escaping to her; but when they seem'd pretty well assured that the Ship was quite gone off, the King sent for him, and ask'd him, if he should give him his Liberty, whether he would attempt to escape? He promised he would not, and indeed any Attempt now would have been in Vain, for to escape would have been a Thing impossible; upon which, the King appointed him to attend upon his Person, and to live with his other Servants, giving him Orders at the same Time not to go out of the City.

There was nothing at all uncomfortable in the Life he led here, for the Service was easy, having very little to do; his chief Business was carrying up the Pataes or Dishes for the King's Dinner, who eat upon the Ground, the Floor being sometimes covered with a Mat instead of a Cloth, and sometimes bare without any Thing; the Diet was generally boiled Rice, with broiled Meat, sometimes Venison, sometimes wild Goat; as also Fowl of all Sorts, which are smaller than those of _Europe_, but of an excellent Taste; they have also several Fowl not known to us; their Beef and Mutton are both excellent, but small; they also had Variety of Fish which they dress, either by boiling or broiling, as for Sawce, the King himself had none, except _Kajan_, Pepper, for they eat most of their Things very hot, and boiled Rice is what serves them instead of Bread.

Thus he lived in Plenty, eating as much as he would of what was left, when the King had done Dinner, so that few People as to Eating and Drinking tasted so great a Variety as he did; the Diet of the common Sort of People, consists generally of Plantanes, Bonana's, boiled Rice (which they call _Pasida_) and Oil, and a Dish they call _Kaja_, which is Plantanes and Rice boiled together, sometimes indeed they have Venison and wild Goat, which they kill themselves, but whatever it is, they eat it out of the Crock it is boiled in, for none but those of great Condition have the Use of _Pataes_ or Dishes; if it be broiled, whether it be Fish or Flesh, they eat it off the Coals, and to avoid burning their Fingers, they take a Bit of green Stick which they break half through, and so bending it together, it serves the Use of a Pair of Tongues as well as a Fork, in turning the Meat upon the Coals as well as taking it off when it is ready. As for Knives and Forks the King himself is not acquainted with the Use of them; so that he pulls his Meat to Pieces with his Fingers, which is generally so well done that it requires no great Labour.

It was about two Months before he ventured to stir abroad beyond the Palace; but one Day one of the Servants who had Business about the City, ask'd him to go along with him, and in Discourse told him, the King would not be displeas'd, if he should go out often; upon this Encouragement he used to walk about the City almost every Day, chusing the Time when the King went to sleep, which was constantly his Practice every Afternoon. He took this Liberty three or four Months together, sometimes being absent several Hours without receiving the least Reprimand; he made an Acquaintance with several in the City, and had Leisure to satisfie his Curiosity, in observing every Thing that appeared new and strange, to one who had lived so long amongst the _Europeans_.

The City of _Magadoxa_ lies (as has been observ'd) in the Latitude of one Degree and fifty one Minutes: It is built betwixt two Hills or rather on the Sides of two Hills, the greatest Part of it standing on the Declivity of that Hill next the Sea, so that there is scarce any of it to be seen by any Ship in the Road, or that passes by, which indeed are but few; for scarce any ever touch there, except driven by 'Stress of Weather, as was the Case of the _Albemarle_. They have no Vessels of their own, except a few employ'd in Fishing, which they call Juncks, and not above ten or twelve of those; and tho' some of them are large enough to carry thirteen or fourteen Ton, they never venture far from the Land.

The City contains betwixt three and four thousand Houses, some built of rough Stone, others of Marble, of which they have many Quaries, extreamly fine, and of various Colours, but they want the Art of polishing it; but the most esteemed and most expensive Houses, are those of rough Stone covered over with a Kind of Plaister, which is peculiar to this Country; after it is laid on, it is not above three Days in drying, and grows as hard and durable as the Stone itself; but the greatest Curiosity of it is, that they can make it of what Colour they please; and as the Houses of all Persons of Condition are covered with it, it has a mighty pretty Effect to the Eye, for some have their Houses white, others red, some yellow, and some blue, that of the King was green, while the Inside is floor'd with the same Plaister, the Rooms all differing in Colour from each other, which Variety makes the City appear very beautiful, tho' the Streets are very narrow and very nasty.

Notwithstanding the Houses look so bright without Side, their Furniture within consists of very little more than Cobwebs, for they have neither Tables, Chairs, nor Glasses, they have indeed Matts which serve them instead of Table-Cloths by Day, and Beds by Night, upon which they lie without either Pillow or Bolster, with a Covering of Mokaz or thick Dungeree over them, which is so call'd from a Tree of that Name, of the Bark of which it is made, which being beaten, is drawn into long Threads, and wove or rather work'd with fine Needles made of Wood, either thick or thin, according to which it is intended; and to such a Perfection are they arrived in this Sort of Manufacture, that they can make it as smooth, and as soft, as a Piece of _English_ Broad-Cloth, and much stronger.

We should have observed that they have no such Things as Glass-Windows to their Houses, however there are either large round or square Vacancies in every Room to receive both Air and Light; these Sort of Windows are covered generally all Day with Shutters of thick Plank, in which many Holes are bored, in order to keep out the Heat of the Sun. As for Chimneys they have no such Thing: In all great Houses there is a Room appropriated for the Dressing the Victuals, where the Fire is made in a Corner upon the Ground, and those that are employ'd in that Service must be well smoaked. The common People frequently make their Fires without Doors, for Rice and Fish they never eat without some Sort of Dressing, but Flesh, to save Trouble and Fire, they frequently eat raw.

The King maintains nothing which has the State or Air of a Court, having no Guards about his Person, so that he frequently walks abroad in the Streets in the Dress before described, without either Shoes or Stockings: All those that meet him pass him by, and go on upon their Business without shewing him any external Mark of Respect; nay so little a Notion have they of Ceremony, that it is common for Persons of both Sexes to ease Nature in the Streets, perhaps when the King is passing by, and yet he is as well obey'd as any Prince in the World.

The Nobility walk about in as careless a Manner as the King, and are known by their Turbants; the better Sort of the common People wear Caps of various Colours, the Rest go intirely naked.

The Queen also walks about the Streets without either Guards or Attendants, and would pass as unregarded as the King, were it not that the Gaiety of her Dress must draw the Eyes of the Spectators; she commonly wears a Garment of either purple or green Silk, which being tied about her Waste reaches down to her Heels, with Variety of white, red, and green Feathers artfully disposed in her Hair, however she is bare-footed like the Rest, whilst all the poorer Sort of the Sex go quite naked, without thinking they carry any Thing about them they ought to be ashamed of.

The Wives of the Men of Condition indeed all wear Clothes, and are dress'd in the same Fashion with the Queen, tho' not all so gay or so rich; but whatever their Habits may be, they take Care always to shew their naked Breasts, which hang down to their Bellies, if they have had any Children; and which we suppose is look'd upon as a Beauty, by their taking Care to expose them to View; they also paint the Nipples red, which is the only Art they use in setting off their Persons; they bring their Children into the World with little or no Pain, and without an Hour's Confinement from the common Occupations of Life.

The only Occasion when the King appears with any Thing that looks like Pomp or Magnificence is, when he rides abroad to take the Air, then he is mounted upon one of his Elephants, with his Favourites and Companions about him; they have a Way of fixing upon the Back of the Elephant, a Frame of Boards about eight or ten Foot Square, on which, he, with such as he carries with him to bear him Company, sit as commodiously as if in a Room, whilst two of his Servants on Foot conduct the Beast; yet even here, tho' he goes thro' any Crowd of People, no Man stops to do him Homage, or to pay him any Sort of Obedience, nor does he seem to expect it, having no Notion, that the Subjects are to be kept in Awe by the Shew of Grandeur which surrounds their Prince: A Mark of good Sense, beyond what is to be met with in the Courts of _European_ Princes.

His Way of maintaining an inward Respect in the Hearts of the People which they have Sense enough to know, is preferable to that External which consist only in Shew and Appearance, and sometimes conceals Contempt and Hatred at Bottom, is by doing Justice in his Person, according to the best of his Judgment and Capacity; he is himself both King and Judge, and decides all Disputes betwixt Man and Man (which indeed are very few) by a personal Hearing of the Cause of Complaint. He is assisted by seven or eight Persons, who always sit about him for that Purpose, and may be called his Councellors; nor was it ever so much as suspected that any of these, either for Bribe, or Reward, or Promise, endeavoured to influence the King in his Judgment.

It rarely happens that any Persons is condemn'd to die; for as every Thing they feed on, except Rice, Plantanes, Oil, _&c._ is acquired by hunting and fishing, there are few Occasions for Theft amongst them; however, when any Person has merited that Punishment, the common Way of executing is, by throwing the Criminal, into the Den (which they call _Bodyzaw_) amongst the wild Beasts, such as Tygers, Leopards, and Crocadiles which are kept hungry before-hand for that Purpose.

There are many other Creatures kept in that _Bodizaw_ or Den which are peculiar to this Country, such as the _Augazet_, which is the largest of all their Beasts, except the Elephant; it is of a white or rather yellowish Colour, with Streaks of Black running like Veins all over it, and also black Spots, the Face is not unlike that of a Cat, it has long sharp Claws; when it is wild, it is extreamly fierce, but may be rendered as gentle and tractable as a Household Dog.

A _Bozee_ is an amphibious Creature, which always lives by the Sides of Rivers, and feeds principally upon Fish; it has a long Bill, and in all Respects the Shape and Form of a Bird, but wants Wings to fly, and instead of Feathers, is covered all over with a hard Scale resembling the Bark of a Tree, and so tough that an Arrow will not enter it; their Legs are very thick and scaled in the same Manner with their Bodies, having sharp Claws to their Feet; the Natives are more afraid of this Creature than of any other in the whole Country, especially, if they are obliged to travel any where by Night, near the Sides of Rivers, for they say it is so fierce and voracious, that it will seize either Man or Beast.

The _Massau_ is another amphibious Creature, very large, whose Body is scaly like that of the _Bozee_, but it is of a different Colour, being reddish; the Bill also differs from that of the _Bozee_, for it is short and shaped like that of a Pidgeon; It is a timorous Creature, that upon hearing the least Noise immediately rushes for the Water; its Food is chiefly Weeds.

A _Sachew_ is a Beast about the Size of a large Lion, of a dark brown Colour, with Shades of black all over the Body, and a Scale down his Back as hard as Horn, the Eyes are extreamly fierce, and in all Respects a terrible Creature to look at, but yet a Child would frighten it.--At the Sight of any human Creature it flies with great Swiftness to the Woods.

One of the King's Diversions is, to go to this _Bodizaw_ or Den of wild Beasts to see them play; they are perfectly under the Command of their Keepers, and are taught to play Tricks like Dogs; nay, it is almost his only Diversion, unless sleeping half the Day can be called a Diversion. As for riding out upon his Elephants, as we took Notice before, he does it so seldom, it can scarce be reckon'd amongst his Pleasures.

Ease, Plenty, and the Heat of the Climate have render'd the People in general inclined to be slothful, they have no Trade with the Neighbouring Nations, nor do they desire to have any; it is true, they have a little Sort of Traffick amongst themselves, as those that hunt and shoot Goats, Venison, _&c._ give them often in Exchange for Dungeree Stuffs; they have also Gold and Silver amongst themselves, but very base;--they don't seem inclined to Cruelty, unless against white Men, whom they are taught to hate, tho' they scarce ever see any; but there is a Kind of historical Tradition amongst them (for they have no Books) that their Country was once invaded by white Men, who committed many Cruelties upon them, and indeed it is likely that the _Portuguese_ might formerly have landed amongst them, while they were making their _India_ Discoveries, and perhaps might have treated them like Slaves, from whence comes this Tradition, and which is the Case of their inbred Hatred to white Men to this Day.

Thus the Molotto had Leisure to divert himself with observing the Customs and Manners of these strange People, who have no Commerce or Communication with the Rest of the World. One Day as he was walking in the City, he was extreamly surpriz'd and terrified at the Sight of a Bird of a monstruous Size, which stalk'd close by him in the Street: It was what they call a _Pyone_, but he had never seen one of them before, so that tho' it is tame and inoffensive, it is no Wonder he should be frighten'd at it.

A _Pyone_, as to Shape, differs from all Birds amongst us; their Colour is a whitish brown, and in the Pinion of each Wing they have five black, and five scarlet Feathers, very broad, and above a Foot long; their Legs are of a bright red, something small for so large a Body, and above three Foot in Length; their Necks are also extreamly long, so that from the Foot to the Top of their Heads they are generally ten Foot in Heighth; they breed in the Mountains, never sit on more than two Eggs at a Time, which always produce a Male and Female: The People catch them when they are young, and let them loose in the Streets, taking Pleasure in the Sight of them, for they do no Mischief, and feed on any Thing they can pick up.

He was so encouraged by this Indulgence which was shew'd him, that he thought he might go where he pleased, and that the Restriction which was laid upon him, was as good as taken off; wherefore, he was tempted by his Curiosity one Day to walk out of the City, and was seen by a great many People. The Day following the _Accabo_ or King, with a stern Countenance, ask'd him if he had been out of the City? He was so terrified at his Looks, knowing also, that he had been commanded not to take that Liberty, that he was not able to answer: The King's Son who was present, smilingly ask'd him, why he did not speak? This recovered him a little from his Astonishment, so that he had the Courage to own he had; then the King with a more pleasing Aspect, desired to know of him, whether he had been to see his _Moorzacks_, or Tombs, he answered no; tho' he had a great Desire of seeing them, because he had heard much Talk of them. So the Thing pass'd over without any farther Reprimand for this Time.

The next Day in the Afternoon, the King rid out on an Elephant in the Manner before described, ordering the Molotto to attend him, and went to visit the _Moorzacks_, or Monuments of his Ancestors, which are situated about three or four Miles from the City: The Magnificence and Beauty of these Tombs, are almost incredible, considering that it is in a Country of _Barbarians_ that they are made; the Molotto was greatly surprized at their extraordinary Grandeur; the King took Notice of his Astonishment, and was not displeased at it, and enquiring of him how he liked them, the Molotto answered, he had never seen any Thing equal to them, in all his Life, and that he believed Strangers would travel from all Parts of the World to see them, did they but know such Things were there. The King then enquired of him concerning the Tombs of the white Men, and ask'd several Questions about the Ceremonies used in Funerals in all the Countries he had been in; the Molotto gave him the best Account he could, still extolling the Beauty of these Monuments above those of all the World. The King then enquired of him whether he knew how Gunpowder was made, he answered no; that it was made by the white Men, and that he was but little acquainted with their Ways. He answer'd in this Manner, knowing that if he should speak with Respect of white Men, it might do him some Prejudice, because of the Aversion he found they had towards them. Upon the whole, the King appeared pleased with the Conversation of this Day, and the Molotto fancied he should grow into Favour.

But two or three Days after, an Accident happened which put him again into a Fright, going out to walk as usual, he ventured as far as the _Moorzacks_, or Tombs, for he took a singular Pleasure in the Sight of them. It happened in the mean Time that they wanted him, he was not to be found in the King's House, or about the City; upon which, there were several Persons sent in Search of him different Ways, one of them found him among the _Moorzacks_, or Tombs, and brought him home, he was dismally frightened, when he understood the King's Displeasure; wherefore, as soon as he came into his Presence, he fell down upon his Face, as is practiced by those with whom he is displeased. The King ask'd him in an angry Tone where he had been? he answered at the _Moorzacks_, or Tombs; then the King enquired of those that had been sent in Search of him, whether it was true, they assured him they had found him there; upon hearing of which, he seemed to be immediately pacified, and said to him (_Korah_) which signifies properly to rise, but is never said, except when he forgives. Then the King ask'd him, if he would not attempt to run away, provided he should appoint him to live constantly among the Guards, who were maintained for watching those Monuments? he answered no; and that he should be pleased to pass the Remainder of his Days in so delightful a Place, without ever having a Wish for seeing his own Country again.

For this Time he was dismiss'd, but next Day being call'd up before the King, he was told that he must go to the _Moorzacks_, or Tombs, there to wait and do Duty as one of the Guards; there was a _Bamzau_ or Priest sent along with him, who was to instruct him in his Duty there. On the Way as he went, the _Bamzau_ or Priest told him, that he must live constantly among the Monuments, and that he would have Meat, Drink, and Lodging provided for him without any Trouble, that he must not take the Liberty of coming to the City, or going beyond the Bounds prescribed, which the Rest of the Guards whom they call _Passaus_ would shew him; that he must be obliged to watch every second Night, to take Care that the Lamps which burnt in the Tombs were supplied with Oil, and never went out, and to keep the Tombs from any Filth or Nastiness.

When they arrived at the Place, the _Bamzau_ or Priest commanded all the _Passaus_ or Guards to be called together, acquainting them that the King had sent this Molotto amongst them to do the same Duty, and ordered one whom he called out from amongst the Rest, to return to the King with him, it being the King's Pleasure that the Molotto should supply his Place. This was readily obeyed, and they departed together.

The _Passaus_ or Guards received him civilly enough, they immediately began Acquaintance with him, explaining to him all the Particulars of their Duty, and shewed him the Bounds within which he was to confine himself; telling him if he pass'd those Limits, they must be obliged to kill him. This Order seemed a little too severe, but he fancied it was only said to terrify him, least he should take it into his Head to attempt an Escape; he flattered himself so for two Reasons, First, because of the Indulgence which had been shewn him when he ventured to exceed his Orders in going out of the City; and secondly he took Notice that the _Bamzau_ or Priest spoke to the _Passaus_ or Guards apart, which he fancied was instructing them to keep him in Ignorance as to the Truth of their Orders; they brought some boiled Rice and Oil cold, and told him he must watch that Night, because it was the Turn of the Person in whose Place he was come; in order to which, they brought him a Watch-Coat made of Hair, which they work very curiously with Needles, so that the whole Coat is of one entire Piece without a Seam; it hangs from the Shoulders down to the Ground, but has no Sleeves, so that it is more like a Cloak than a Coat.

The Sun being set, which is the Time they enter upon the Watch, every two Men began to fix their _Pohalick_, over against the Door of the _Moorzack_ they were to watch; but to understand this Matter, it will be necessary to explain what a _Pohalick_ is,--A _Pohalick_ is a Kind of a Tent, contrived to shelter them from the Inclemencies of the Weather, for the Nights are sometimes very cold there, especially if it rains; wherefore, they take four Poles of about eight Foot long, which, instead of fixing in the Ground, are plac'd in four Stone-Sockets, placed on Purpose, opposite to each _Moorzack_, for that Use, with Cross-Poles reaching from one to the other; but instead of Canvass they hang over it a Covering of Palmatu Leaves sewen together; the two oldest Standers have their Post opposite to the King's _Moorzack_, the Rest are posted according to their Seniority, for they are exact Observers of the Rules of Precedence; the youngest also in each Pohalick, fetches Wood for Fire, which is also absolutely necessary, as well to keep off the Musketoos which would be, otherwise, very troublesome, as to correct the Damps. As soon as the Sun rises, he also takes down the Pohalick, sweeps up the Ashes very clean, which remain of the Fire, and carries them away, that the Place may appear perfectly neat. It is his Duty also to go to the _Bankoos_ (so they call the Steward of the _Moorzacks_) for the Provision of the Day, which he is afterwards to dress both for himself and his Comrade.

This Part of the Duty was not disagreeable to the Molotto, for having no Books to read, he would have grown melancholly for Want of something to divert his Time, had he been entirely idle; their Allowance of Provision was sufficient, and very good in its Kind. On _Sundays_ and _Tuesdays_ it was Flesh, either Beef, Mutton, or Goat, and Rice for Bread. On _Wednesdays_, Kaja (we have already told what that is) _Mondays_ and _Fridays_, Fish and Plantanes. _Thursdays_ and _Saturdays_ Plantanes, Rice, and Oil. Their Fish was excellent in its Kind, but they usually dress'd it without taking out the Guts, and which they eat with it instead of Sauce, but the Molotto corrected this Part of their Cookery, and having gutted the Fish before he broiled it, he found his Comrades very well pleas'd, and they always managed it so after.

While he pass'd his Life here pleasantly enough, one Day the _Accabo_, or King, sent a Guard to fetch him to the City; he was extreamly frightened at this unexpected Turn, and enquired of those that conducted him, into the Meaning of it, but they could give him no Account of it, but hurried him along very quick; when they arriv'd at the City, they did not carry him before the _Accabo_, or King, as he expected, but conducted him strait to the _Haulob_, or Prison, where he had been before confined. He had not been there above two Hours when his old Friend _Morasab_ came to make him a Visit, whose Opinion he ask'd concerning his Confinement, _Morasab_ told him, he judged it to be for no other Reason, than because there had been a _Schabew_, or Ship, seen that Morning at a great Distance off the Coast, that there were Men on the Hills then watching of her, and others lying in Wait to surprize any that should attempt to come on Shore. While they were in Discourse, the _Kasboo_ or Jaylor came in with some boiled Rice and Fish, and confirmed what _Morasab_ had told him, and cheared him up by assuring him, that no Harm was intended him, that he was only confined to prevent his making his Escape. The Molotto knowing that every Thing he should say, would be told again the King, because any Person may speak to him with the utmost Freedom at any Time, except when he is sitting in Judgment, told the _Kasboo_, that he had given over all Thoughts of visiting his native Country more, having neither Wife nor Children; nor was he desirous of seeing any other Part of that Country, having taken a firm Resolution to obey the Orders very punctually of never going beyond the Limits of the _Moorzacks_; the _Kasboo_ told him, that if he had any Value for his Life, it would be best for him to do so, for if he should at any Time be catch'd attempting any Escape, he would be served just as the white Men had been, the Molotto answered he should deserve it, since the King had been so gracious to him, not only to give him his Life, but to appoint him to live in a Place which he liked above any Thing he had ever seen.

All this Discourse was reported that Night to the King, the Consequence of which was, that he was sent for the next Morning; the first Question the King ask'd him was, whether that _Shabew_ or Ship which had appear'd in Sight, was the same in which he came? He answered, he could not tell, unless he was to see it, (but that could not be done now, for she was gone off without coming to an Anchor, or sending her Boat on Shore.) The King then ask'd him, whether he had a Desire to return back to the _Moorzacks_? He answered, it was what he longed for of all Things, and repeated the same Things concerning the Pleasure he took in that Place, which he had done before to the _Kasboo_; he found this tickled the King's Vanity, and put him into good Humour, wherefore, he commanded him to be conducted back, whither he arrived with a much lighter Heart than he left it, having the Satisfaction also of seeing his Comrades mighty well pleas'd at his safe Return amongst them.

Here he pass'd his Time without any Care, having every Thing provided for him, being at Leisure all the Day long to divert himself as he would, for except taking his Watch in his Turn, he had nothing to do, but to clean the _Moorzacks_ every new Moon, both within and without, and to take Care that the Lamps around them should be supplied with Oil, and never go out.

He observ'd his Companions employed their Leisure Time all in some Work, most of them in making some little Curiosities, which the Towns-People used to walk out, and buy of them, and which enabled them to purchase Liquor and other Things they had an Inclination for; his Comrade in particular used to amuse himself with making Fishing-Nets, but these Nets are very different from those used in _Europe_, they are made of Sea-Grass, wove out into a certain Length, and the Fisherman before he uses them, fastens to them a certain Number of Hooks (for they are ignorant of the Art of contriving Nets to catch Fish without Hooks) his Comrade with a great Deal of Ease used to make one of these a Week, and he observing how he work'd them, did not doubt but he could do the same; therefore he begg'd of his Comrade to give him a little of his Sea-Grass, with which he began to make Trial, and succeeded so well, that in a few Days he finished a Net, which he truck'd away for a Quantity of Sea Grass.

He was now set up for a new Trade, and was so industrious in it, that he work'd his Nets with much more Curiosity than any of his Partners, and of Consequence had better Business; so that in a little Time he was able to purchase a Piece of Dungeree Linnen with his own Earnings, of which he made himself a Wastecoat after the _English_ Fashion, and a Pair of long Drawers; but he had not worn them above a Day or two when the _Bankoo_, or Steward of the _Moorzacks_, commanded him to leave off the Wastecoat, that he might appear like the rest, who wore nothing but a Piece of any Stuff they could get, about their Wastes, to cover their Nakedness.

Upon the whole, he found he should have no great Occasion to provide for his Back, which occasioned his being less diligent in his Work; however, he purchased a _Mohaz_ Covering to keep him warm in the Night, with the _Bankoo_'s Permission, and happening to talk sometimes with his Comrades about Nets, and describing how they were made in _Europe_, the _Bankoo_ asked him if he could make one in the same Manner? But finding he was not to lay out his Earnings to please himself, he answered, he could not; however, an Accident fell out soon after which brought him into great Favour.

As it was Part of his Duty to go to the _Bankoo_'s generally in the Morning, for the Allowance of Provision for the Day for himself and Comrade, he observed, that tho' their Allowance was sufficient in all other Respects, it was very short as to Salt. One Day, when they had Plantanes, Rice and Oil, he begg'd hard for a little more Salt, but the _Bankoo_ told him it could not be done without defrauding some of the rest, for Salt is exceeding scarce amongst them, having no Way of making it, nor any Way of providing it but by searching among the Rocks, near the Sea Side, where they pick it up in Bits about the Bigness of a Nut, and sometimes larger; here Nature makes it by the continual beating of the Sea in one Place; but the Quantities they are able to procure this Way are very small; wherefore, finding himself disappointed, he happened to say, that if he was at Liberty he could make Salt as plenty in _Magadoxa_ as it was in _Europe_. The _Bankoo_ the same Day acquainted the _Accabo_ with what he had said, so that the next Day he was sent for: He was no sooner arrived in the Presence of the _Accabo_ but he immediately asked him if he could make Salt? He answered, he believed he could, (and the Truth on't was he had often seen it made.) At the same Time he described the Manner of making it. The _Accabo_ immediately order'd him to go to Work, and to have what Assistance he requir'd; he did so, and was so industrious and successful in it, that in six Months Salt was as plenty amongst them as any where else.

The _Accabo_ sent for him again, and inquired of him concerning Fishing-Nets, as they were used in _Europe_: He described them to him; upon which he asked him if he could make one of them? He had been asked the same Question before by the _Bankoo_, and denied that he had any Skill that Way; but considering with himself now that since he was likely to pass his whole Life amongst these People, it was his Business to gain their Favour all the Ways he could, he answered, he never had made any; however, if he (the _Accabo_) thought fit, he would try and do the best he could.

The _Accabo_ seemed mightily pleased with his Willingness, and asked him if he should want any to assist him? He answered he should, and desired eight Persons to be employed in Spinning, and six in Knitting. These People were to follow his Directions, accordingly they fell to Work, and, in the Space of two Months, finished a Net eighty Fathom long.

When it was finished the _Accabo_ himself had a Mind to see what Effect it would have beyond their own Nets; accordingly he went on board one of their Junks, attended by his Favourites, having with him also several of their most experienced Fishermen: They had the good Luck to take a good Number of Fish the first Hawl, among which were several Sorts they had never before seen, being such Fish as will not take the Hook, and such as always keep deep in the Water. The _Accabo_ appeared highly contented with this Success, and ordered several more of them to be made, which could be done without him now that he had shewn them a Way, so that Fish soon became infinitely more plenty than ever it had been before.

The Molotto expected no less than to be rewarded with some extraordinary Recompence for the publick Services; the least Favour he thought could be granted him would be to give him the Liberty of a Freeman, and to let him live as an Inhabitant of the City, and to get his living amongst them, by any Sort of Industry he could; but he found himself greatly mistaken, for all his Reward consisted in being sent back to the _Moorzacks_, upon the same Foot he had been before.

It is true, he passed his Time here with a great deal of Tranquility, and began to reconcile himself to the Thoughts of remaining there his whole Life, he was convinced that nothing he could do to ingratiate himself, would procure him any Favour or Liberty; and an Accident fell out which gave him a terrible Notion of their Severity: One of the _Passaus_ or Guards, on a Night when it was not his Turn to be upon the Watch, went privately into the City, contrary to Orders, and returned again before it was Day, but not so privately but he was seen by some Person, who went and discovered it to the _Accabo_; the Consequence of which was, that he was sent for under a Guard the next Morning, and, being brought into the King's Presence, was, without any more Ceremony, executed in the following Manner: He was obliged to kneel down, leaning his Head forwards, whilst the Executioner, with a heavy Bar of Timber, struck him on the lower part of his Head, and beat out his Brains.

This Example so terrified the poor Molotto, that in fifteen Years he was in that Place he never ventured beyond the Limits, except when he was sent for by the _Accabo_, or to attend a Burial, which he was obliged to do when any of the _Passaus_ or Guards died, for they were not buried among the _Moorzacks_, no more than any of the other of the common People.

But it is Time that we describe this Place, which is not only the greatest Curiosity of this Country, but would pass for a Piece of Magnificence in those Nations where Arts and Sciences are known, and it is fit to be the more particular in it, as it may appear strange, that those People who are Barbarians in all other Respects, should observe so much Pomp and Decoration in their funeral Ceremonies.

This burying Place, which they call _Hoynatz_, is pleasantly situated in a beautiful Valley between two Hills, about two _English_ Miles from the City of _Magadoxa_; there are in it twenty nine _Moorzacks_, or Tombs, all which were first built by the Kings, at whose Expence the _Passaus_ or Guards are kept, their being four to each _Moorzack_, who watch two and two by Turns, who take Care of the Lamps, which continually burn within, and keep every Thing clean to the greatest Nicety.

Tho' these _Moorzacks_ may be said properly all to belong to the King, yet several other Persons of the first Rank are buried in them, by the King's special Favour, for he sometimes gives a _Moorzack_ to some Favourite, as a burying Place for his Family; notwithstanding which Gift, when any of the said Family dies, the King's Permission must be asked anew for burying him in the _Moorzack_, the Reason is, that it frequently happens that when a Person who has this Kind of Right to be buried in a _Moorzack_ disobliges the King, he takes no Notice of it as long as the Party lives; but when he dies, he forbids him to be buried in the _Moorzack_, by way of Punishment.

This may shew what a Veneration they have for these Places, when they seem to think that all Happiness, as well as Honour, consisted in laying the Body after Death in one of these _Moorzacks_; and, indeed, it is one of the chief Pleasures of the King, as well as of the common People to visit these Places often, which they do with a Kind of religious Respect.

The largest _Moorzack_ or Tomb of all is the King's own, no other Person being ever buried therein; it is eighty Foot square, built of black and white Marble mix'd, with a Kind of Cupola at Top, and over it a long Spire, the Inside, both Floor and Sides, is white Marble curiously polished, and the Cieling or Cupola painted green: There are in it forty five _Boozes_ of Gold, standing on as many Pedestals of black Marble, of about four Foot high.

A _Booze_ is a kind of round Pot with a Cover, about eight Inches deep, and five Diameter, in which are placed the Ashes of the Dead of those that are deposited there; I say the Ashes, because the Bodies are first burned.

There are also sixteen large Lamps of Gold, with nine Lights to each, four in a Corner, and one large one in the Middle, with two Lights; the large ones are never lighted but at Funerals, when they make a fine Shew, but that in the Middle burns constantly.

By the forty five _Boozes_, wherein are deposited the Ashes, it may be conjectured that as many of their Kings lie there, and so the Molotto was informed.

The second for Largeness belongs to the _Cossues_ or Queens, (for, it must be observed, that the Males and Females are never buried in the same _Moorzack_:) It is built all of white Marble, and is fifty nine Foot square, the inside Wall exactly the same with the outside, but the Floor is of black and white Marble laid in Squares, much like what may be seen in Noblemens Houses in _Europe_. There are fifty six _Boozes_ of Gold, standing on black Marble Pedestals; there are twelve large Lamps, each with seven Lights, three in each Corner, and one of Silver in the Middle, which burns constantly, as in the King's.

The third belongs to the _Acobibs_, or Princes; it is also built of white Marble; its Form is exactly round, being seventy nine Foot in Circumference; there are in it fifty three _Boozes_ standing on black Marble Pedestals, with thirteen Lamps of Silver with seven Lights each; twelve of them are plac'd in a circular Form, and the thirteenth in the Middle, which burns constantly, the Cieling is painted green.