PRESENTS FROM THE NEGOOS. 181 



borrow another for Hadjji Abdullah. Sheik Tigh, 

 having some Wahabbee notions, did not indulge in 

 the fumes of tobacco, so he sat upon one of the 

 boxes, commenting upon and endeavouring to 

 explain by sundry guesses, the motives that could 

 have induced the Negoos, in the first place, to order 

 me out of the kingdom, and then treating me so 

 well when I went up to see him. It was concluded, 

 at last, that I was on the high way to state 

 preferment, which was presently confirmed by my 

 balderabah Tinta, much to my surprise, making 

 his appearance, bringing a message, not only to me, 

 but to Sheik Tigh. Three affaroitsh, or dis- 

 tributors of durgo, accompanied him, bringing 

 presents of white wheaten bread, honey, and 

 butter. The two latter were in large earthenware 

 jars containing ten or twelve pounds each. The 

 message from the Negoos for me was to the effect 

 that I must learn the Amharic language as quickly 

 as possible, and to take plenty of medicine so that 

 I might be quite well to visit his majesty, on the 

 occasion of his visit to " Michael wans," which 

 would be during the fast of Felsat, (the ascension 

 of the Virgin Mary,) about the beginning of the 

 next month, August. Sheik Tigh also received 

 an order to act as my " duptera," or teacher, and 

 received a small piece of parchment like the one I 

 had received in Angolahlah, and which awarded 

 to him in return for the duty of attending to my 

 Amharic education, ten cuna of grain every month. 



