Japan and the Japanese

THE DUTCH AT DESIMA. 227
Up and when we come down from the scaffold, as if it were possible
for some of us to slip out between their
fingers. Our slaves, also,
are admitted to this solemnity, as black Dutchmen.*
"Another day is set apart for viewing five large boats, which
saust be constantly kept, at the expense of the Dutch East India
Company, for the lading and unlading of our ships. This is
again done with the same numerous retinue, which we afterwards
entertain at dinner at one of the neighboring temples.
"When one of our ships hath been discovered to steer towards
the harbor, some of the Dutchmen left at Desima are sent to meet
her, in order to get a preliminary information of her cargo and
condition. The Company for this purpose constantly keeps two
barges in readiness, large enough to take on board our usual
numerous attendants, which, together with the commissioners for
victualling, attending in their own barge, with a good provision of
victuals and refreshments, must be treated in the neighboring small
island, Iwara-gosima, the whole again at the Company's expense.
" These are the days allowed us for our recreation, if it may be
called a recreation to be led about, like prisoners, under the narrow
inspection of so many attentive eyes ; for, as to the several officers
concerned in the management of our island and trade, and permit-
ted on that account to converse with us, no sincere friendship, good
understanding, or familiarity, can be by any means expected of
them ; for, before they are admitted into our service, they must
oblige themselves, by a solemn oath, to deny us all manner of com-
munication, credit, or friendship, any ways tending to support or
promote our interest.
" The person who takes this oath prays the vengeance of the
supreme gods of the heavens and the chief magistrates of the
country upon him, his family, his domestics, his friends and near
relatives, in case he doth not fulfil sincerely and satisfy
to all and
every article, as they are read and specified
to him after the form
of the oath, which, together with these articles, must be signed by
him, and sealed with his seal,t dipped in black ink, pouring, for a
* For an account of this festival, see chap. xxx.
t The custom of using an emblem, or device, instead of a signature, oftS
certify it, prevails with the Japanese, as with so many other nations