Visit to the King at his Palace--Description of it--Reception by his Majesty--Gaudy Dress of the Attendants--Masks, Ornaments, &c.--Occasion of the War between the Mahees and Dahomans, and its Result--The King’s Walking-staffs--Dance performed by his Majesty--Another Review of Female Troops--Execution of Four Traitors--Horrible Occurrence--Disgusting office of the Blood-drinker--Ludicrous Scene--The King’s Mother and Grandmother--Dance performed by them--Costume of the King’s Favourite Wives--I perform on the Jew’s Harp--I dance with his Majesty--His Message to the Queen of England--Ridiculous Customs--Court of Appeal established at Abomey--Character of the King--Domestic Slavery--A Slave-hunt--Military Distinctions--Want of natural Affection in the Natives--Roguery of my Servant--The King’s Commissions to me--An Interesting Incident--Murderous Attack on me by my Servant--Inquiry into the Occurrence--My Servant compelled to accompany me. June 13th.--To-day I attended at the King’s house or palace. After passing through two quadrangles of about sixty yards by thirty, we entered the principal square. This square is formed of three sides of houses or long sheds; and on the opposite side to the principal part or side is a high wall of clay, with human skulls placed at short intervals on the top. All the quadrangles were filled with a mob of armed men, some sitting, some lying down asleep, others walking about smoking. This palace, for the King has many, is divided into different apartments, all on the ground-floor; for though the ridge of the roof is of sufficient height for two stories, yet the thatch is brought down so low as to reach to within four feet of the ground. Along the front is a low piazza, extending the whole length of the building. The main entrance is in the centre of the side of the square. In this entrance the King lay on a fine crimson carpet, trimmed with gold lace.