^94 TRAVELS TO DISCOVER 



head of the Nile ; that I thought I lhould have time to be 

 there, and return to Gondar, before the Tacazze was ford- 

 able, foon after which I expected he would crofs it, and that 

 nothing but want of health would prevent me from join- 

 ing him in Beleffen, or fooner, if any opportunity fhould 

 offer. 



Before I took my lafl refolutions I waited upon the 

 queen. She was exceedingly averfe to the attempt ; fhe 

 bade me remember what the laft trial had cofl me; and beg- 

 . ged me to defer any further thoughts of it till Fafil arrived 

 in Gondar ; that flie would then deliver me into his hands, 

 and procure from him fure guides, together with a fafe con- 

 duct. She bad me beware alfo of troops of Pagan Galla 

 which were paffing and repaffing to and from his army, 

 who, if they fell in with me, would murder me without 

 mercy. She added, that the priefts of Gojam and Damot 

 were mortal enemies to all men of my colour, and, with a 

 word, would raife the peafants againft me. This was all 

 true; but then many reafons, which I had weighed well, con- 

 curred to mew that this opportunity, dangerous as it was, 

 might be the only time in which my enterprife could be 

 practicable ; for I was confident a fpeedy rupture between 

 Fafil and Michael would follow upon the king's return to 

 Gondar. I determined therefore to fet out immediately 

 without farther lofs of time. 



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