The sun was shining brightly, and the scene was a brilliant
one. The king, his Caboceers or great tributaries, his captains,
and officers were seated under a vast number of huge umbrellas,
some of them fifteen feet across. These were of scarlet, yellow,
and other showy colors in silks and cloths, with fantastically
scalloped and fringed valences. They were surmounted with crescents,
birds, elephants, barrels, and swords of gold, and on some were
couched stuffed animals. Innumerable smaller umbrellas of striped
stuff were borne by the crowd, and all these were waved up and down,
while a vast number of flutes, horns and other musical instruments
sounded in the air. All the principal people wore robes woven
of foreign silk, which had been unraveled for working into native
patterns. All had golden necklaces and bracelets, in many cases so
heavy that the arms of the bearers were supported on boys' heads.
The whole crowd, many thousands in number, shone with gold, silver,
and bright colors.
The king received them with dignity, and expressed his satisfaction
at seeing them, his speech being interpreted by one of his attendants,
who spoke English. Mr. Goodenough replied that they had very great
pleasure in visiting the court of his majesty, that they had already
been traveling for many months in Africa, having started from the
Gaboon and traveled through many tribes, but had they had any idea
of visiting so great a king they would have provided themselves with
presents fit for his acceptance.
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