THE MEMOLAGEE. 153 



myself with a few yards of rich Chinese silk velvet, 

 and a curiously-worked bead purse, which contained 

 a stone ring, cut out of a piece of green-coloured 

 jaspar. Each was handed up in succession to the 

 Negoos for his inspection ; after having been duly 

 described and registered upon a strip of parchment 

 by a scribe who stood at my elbow for that purpose. 

 As each was presented, the Negoos slightly bowed, 

 and said, in his own language, " Egzeer ista" (God 

 return it to you). 



A short conversation with his courtiers, who stood 

 with the upper parts of the body completely unco- 

 vered, was followed by a request on the part of the 

 Negoos, that I should ask from him whatever I 

 desired. I begged to be allowed to remain in Shoa 

 until after the rains, and then to have permission 

 and his assistance to proceed to Enarea. A slight 

 inclination of assent, with an abrupt recommenda- 

 tion of me to the care of heaven by his majesty, 

 terminated the interview, and I retired, followed 

 by Walderheros, who appeared highly delighted 

 with the graciousness of my reception, and was 

 evidently speculating upon the bright prospects 

 before him from the opportunities I might have of 

 pushing his fortunes at court, for the precincts of 

 which he seemed to have a great predilection. 



Immediately after returning to my tent, a large 

 goat was sent to me by the Xegoos, and an inconve- 

 nient command that I should remain for the day at 

 Angolahlah. There was nothing that I desired 



