MEMOIR OF BRUCE. 39 



rather a dangerous accomplishment. In a few days 

 he was desired to repair to the convent of St. George, 

 where he met with his old friend, Father Christo- 

 pher, who had lived with him at Algiers ; and from 

 that venerable patriarch he received much useful 

 intelligence respecting Abyssinia, where several of 

 the highest offices in the kingdom, he told him, were 

 held by Greeks, with whom he corresponded. The 

 fame of his astrological science led the Bey to 

 request an interview, that he might ascertain the 

 result of the war then pending between Russia and 

 Turkey. Bruce answered with true sybilline ob- 

 scurity, which amazed the Bey, and he was dismissed 

 with an offer of coffee, sweetmeats, and protection. 



His knowledge of physic likewise attracted the 

 notice of Ali, who again sent for him to prescribe 

 a cure for a fit of sickness with which he had been 

 seized after dinner. Bruce recommended an emetic ; 

 a remedy which, being contrary to the religion as 

 well as the stomach of a Musssulman, was declined, 

 until the experiment was made on a young monk, 

 M who was absolutely turned inside out before them," 

 that the Bey might have the satisfaction to see how 

 the medicine operated. 



Anxious to advance on his journey, our traveller 

 procured recommendatory letters to the governor of 

 Syene and Upper Egypt, also to the Bey of Suez, 

 the Sheriff of Mecca, the Naib of Massuah (then 

 part of Abyssinia), and to the King of Sennaar. 

 Thus provided, he bade adieu to Cairo, and em- 

 barking with his little party on the 12th of De- 



