After this, Mr.
Park was about to take his leave, when the king began a long preamble in favour of the whites, extolling their immense wealth and good dispositions.

He next proceeded to an eulogium on Mr.Park's blue coat, of which the yellow buttons seemed particularly to please his fancy, and he concluded by entreating Mr.Park to present him with it, assuring him, as a matter of great consolation to him for the loss of it, that he would wear it on all public occasions, and inform every one who saw it, of the great liberality of Mr.Park towards him.

The request of an African prince, in his own dominions, comes very little short of a command.

Mr.Park, therefore, very quietly took off his coat, the only good one in his possession, and laid it at his feet.

In return for his compliance, he presented Mr.Park with great plenty of provisions, and desired to see him again in the morning.