THE HORSE. 11 



Beys of Tunis, of Algiers, and Egypt ; every sovereign 

 in Europe, including the Czar of Russia, and the Sultan 

 of the Turks; the Emperor of Morocco, the Kings of 

 Persia and Abyssinia, and other rulers of smaller name, 

 have transmitted to the Queen of Great Britain, with 

 due compliments, specimens of their finest horses. 



In the Life of Bruce, the Abyssinian traveller, it is 

 recorded that Fasil, after having assembled the leaders 

 of the Galla tribes, said to the noble Briton, " Now, before 

 all these men, ask me any thing you have at heart, and 

 be it what it may, they know I cannot deny it to you !" 

 Bruce, of course, asked to be conducted immediately 

 to the head of the Nile. Fasil then turned to his 

 seven chiefs, who got up. They all stood round in a 

 circle and raised the palms of their hands, while he 

 and the Galla with great apparent devotion repeated 

 together a prayer, about a minute long. "Now," says 

 Fasil, " go in peace : you are a Galla. This is a curse 

 upon them and their children, their corn, grass, and 

 cattle, if ever they lift their hand against you or yours, 

 or do not defend you to the utmost, if attacked by 

 others." Upon this, Bruce offered to kiss his hand, 

 and they all went to the door of the tent, where there 

 stood a very handsome grey horse. "Take this horse/' 

 said Fasil, " as a present from me. But do not mount 

 it yourself. Drive it before you, saddled and bridled 



