58 TRAVELS TO DISCOVER 



journey into Habefh to the utmoft of his power, provided I 

 mewed him that consideration which was due to him from 

 all pafTengers ; that as, by my tent, baggage, and arms, he 

 faw I was a man above the common fort, which the grand 

 fignior's firman, and all my letters teflified, lefs than iooo 

 patakas offered by me would be putting a great affront up- 

 on him ; however, in confideration of the governor of Ti- 

 gre, to whom I was going, he would confent to receive 300, 

 upon my fwearing not to divulge this, for fear of the fhani£ 

 that would fall upon him abroad. 



To this I anfwered in the fame grave tone, " That I thought 

 him very wrong to take 300 patakas with fhame, when re- 

 ceiving a thoufand would be more honourable as well as 

 more profitable ; therefore he had nothing to do but put 

 that into his account-book with the governor of Tigre, and 

 fettle his honour and his intereft together. As for myfelf, 

 I was fent for by Metical Aga, on account of the king, and 

 was proceeding accordingly, and if he oppofed my going 

 forward to Metical Aga, I mould return ; but then again 

 I fhould expect ten thoufand patakas from Metical Aga, for 

 the trouble and lofs of time I had been at, which he and 

 the Ras would no doubt fettle with him," The Naybe faid 

 nothing in reply, but only muttered, clofing his teeth,j#«- 

 tan afrits that devil or tormenting fpirir. 



" Look you, (fays one of the king*s fervants, whom I had 

 not heard fpeak before) I was ordered to bring this man to- 

 rn y raafter; I heard no talk of patakas ; the army is ready 

 to march againfl Waragna Fafil, I mufl not lofe my time 

 here." Then taking his fhort red cloak under his arm, 

 and giving it a make to make the duft fly from it, he put 



it 



