INTRODUCTION. feari 



a fpirit of independence, it was from policy and reflection. 

 I had often thought that the misfortunes which had befallen 

 other travellers in Abyflinia arofe from the bafe eftimation 

 the people in general entertained of their rank, and the va- 

 lue of their perfons. From this idea I refolved to adopt a 

 contrary behaviour. I was going to a court where there 

 was a khig of kings, whofe throne was furrounded by a num- 

 ber of high-minded, proud, hereditary, punctilious nobili- 

 ty. It was impoffible, therefore, too much lowlinefs and. 

 humility could pleafe there. 



Mr Murray, the ambaflador at Conftantinople, in the fir- 

 man obtained from the grand fignior, had qualified me 

 with the diftinftion of Bey-Adze, which means, not an Em 

 hfli nobleman (a peer) but a noble Englifhman, and he 

 had added hkewife, that I was a fervant of the king of 

 Great Britain. All the letters of recommendation, very 

 many and powerful, from Cairo and Jidda, had conftantly 

 echoed this to every part to which they were addrefTed 

 They announced that I was not a man, fuch as ordinarily 

 came to them, to live upon their charity, but had ample 

 means of my own, and each profefTed himfelf guarantee 

 of that fact, and that they themfelves on all occafions were 

 ready to provide for me, by anfwering my demands. 



The only requefl of thefe letters was fafety and protection 

 to my perfon. It was mentioned that I was a phyfician to 

 introduce a conciliatory cirumftance, that I was above prac- 

 tifing for gain. That all I did was from the fear of God 

 from chanty and the love of mankind. I was a phyfician 

 m the city, a folder in the field, a courtier every where 

 demeaning myfelf, as confeious that I was not unworthy 



of.' 



