Though the king, carried off by the prevailing good-humour of the
scene we had both witnessed, supported me, I found that he had
counter-ordered what he had said as soon as I had gone, and, in
fact, no Mkungu ever dared come near me.
25th. - To-day I visited Usungu again, and found him better. He
gave pombe and plantains for my people, but would not talk to me,
though I told him he had permission to call on me.
I have now been for some time within the court precincts, and
have consequently had an opportunity of witnessing court customs.
Among these, nearly every day since I have changed my residence,
incredible as it may appear to be, I have seen one, two, or three
of the wretched palace women led away to execution, tied by the
hand, and dragged along by one of the body-guard, crying out, as
she went to premature death, "Hai Minange!" (O my lord!)
"Kbakka!" (My king!) "Hai N'yawo!" (My mother!) at the top of her
voice, in the utmost despair and lamentation; and yet there was
not a soul who dared lift hand to save any of them, though many
might be heard privately commenting on their beauty.
26th. - To-day, to amuse the king, I drew a picture of himself
holding a levee, and proceeded to visit him.
