It is impossible to give any explanation of this
ridiculous account of the esurgny, any farther than that the Frenchmen
were either imposed upon by the natives, or misunderstood them from not
knowing their language.
In a subsequent part of the voyages of Cartier,
this substance is called Esnoguy. - E.]
When we came near the town, a vast number of the inhabitants came out to
meet us, and received us in the most cordial manner, while the guides
led us to the middle of the town, in which there is a large open square,
a good stones throw from side to side, in which they desired us by signs
to remain. Then all the women and girls of the place gathered together
in the square, many of whom carried young children in their arms; as
many of them as could get forwards came up and rubbed our faces, arms,
and bodies, giving every token of joy and gladness for having seen us,
and requiring us by signs to touch their children. After this, the men
caused the women to withdraw, and all sat down on the ground round about
us, as if they meant to represent some comedy or shew. The women came
back, each of them carrying a square matt like a carpet, which they
spread out on the ground and caused us to sit down on them. When this
was done, Agouhanna, the king or lord of the town, was brought into
the square on the shoulders of nine or ten men.
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