THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. '329 



was too clear and explicit to admit a doubt of its meaning ; 

 and the Abuna, giving way for the time, recalled his ex- 

 communication. 



A CONSPIRACY was next formed by Emana Chriftos, the 

 eunuch Kefla Wah ad mafter of the houfehold to the king, 

 and Julius governor of Tigre, to murder Socinios in his pa- 

 lace ; for which purpofe they defired an audience upon 

 weighty affairs, which being granted by the king, the three 

 confpirators were admitted into his prefence. 



It was concerted that Julius fhould prefent a petition of 

 fuch a nature as probably to produce a refufal ; and, in the 

 time of the altercation that would enfue, when the king 

 might be off his guard, the other two were to ftab him. 



Just before the converfation began, he was advifcd of his 

 danger by a page, and Julius prelenting his petition, the 

 king granted it immediately, before Emana Chriftos could 

 come up to affift in the difpute which they expedted ; and 

 this confpirator appearing in the inftant, the king, who had 

 got up to walk, invited them all three up to the terrace. 

 This was the moil favourable opportunity they could have 

 wifhed. They, therefore, deferred affaulting him till they 

 Ihould have got up to the terrace : The king entered the 

 door of the private flair, and drew it haftily after him. It 

 liad a fpring-lock made by Peter Paez, which was fixed in 

 the infide, and could not be opened from without, fo that the 

 king was left fecure upon the terrace. Upon this the con- 

 fpirators, fearing themfelves difcovered, retired, and from 

 that time refolved to keep out of the king's power. 



Vol. II. T t At 



