“His Excellency is a remarkably fine speaker. Listen carefully now, for you will hear some wonderful oratory.”
“Yes--the political leaders at home might well learn a thing or two from him. He especially prides himself upon his manner of addressing natives, who, as of course you know, are themselves excellent orators, and avoid tautology and all such errors.”
I accordingly took out my note-book and put down every word that fell from the august lips. The following is what I wrote: it did not seem to impress the natives much, but then no doubt it was like casting pearls before swine; the retinue listened to each word with rapt attention, and subdued and respectful murmurs of applause greeted each fresh exhibition of rhetorical eloquence, which they considered worthy of a combined Cicero and Demosthenes.
“I give my compliments to His Excellency.”
_Rowe._ “I am glad to see you here. It is always a pleasure for the Government of the Gold Coast to receive an envoy from the king of Ashanti. You do not meet me at home, but out here in the bush; but as you meet me here on your journey you are welcome. I hope your journey has been fairly comfortable.”
_Rowe._ “I hope you have not had rain on the way.”
_Rowe._ “I am glad to hear that, for rain makes the roads bad in this country. I don’t think we can hope to have fine weather long. What do you think?”
_Rowe._ “I hope it will not come on for a few days more; it is not nice to have rain. I hope you found your people well that were left behind.”[6]
_Rowe._ “They have come here from Cape Coast. They travel in the bush more comfortably than I do.”
_Rowe._ “We may look for rain in about three months I suppose. How many months? Two, or three?”
_Rowe._ “During that time any one who has a house stops in it.”
_Rowe._ “I don’t like to be caught by rain in the bush. I don’t mind being here in the bush when it is fine. I’m afraid I can’t do much here to make you comfortable.”
_Rowe._ “Still I am glad to see you, and, as far as I can, I will do my best for you.”
(A pause, and Buaki asks permission to speak.)
_Buaki._ “Your Excellency’s friend, the king of Ashanti, sent me to see you. While on the road I and my followers were taken sick, so that I had to delay coming down till we were well. I met the sword-bearer, Yow Mensah, at Yan Compene, who told me that you were waiting for me, and I sent him back to say I was coming. I am sorry I did not meet you at home, but I was ill by the way. I wish to know what time you will appoint for the business on which I have come.”