424 LEAVE THE PALACE. 



alluding to the bad state of my own health, and of 

 the necessity of my remaining quiet in Aliu Amba 

 until the termination of the wet season, which was 

 expected about the middle of the present month. 

 He did not forget to recommend to me the study 

 of the Amharic language during that time, so that 

 in the next expedition against the Galla, to which 

 he had already invited me, I might be able to con- 

 verse with him. The Negoos did not detain me much 

 longer, but after telling me not to miss seeing the 

 Muscal (at Debra Berhan on the 24th), if it 

 were possible for me to come, he dismissed me, 

 glad enough to escape from the fatiguing interview. 

 I returned to Musculo's house a great deal too 



assistance of European skill and knowledge, of which he had had 

 such evidences of superiority. 



The attention of our Embassy was first called more particularly 

 to the subject when the Ambassador and Captain Graham were 

 desired to attend at the palace the day when the liberated captives 

 came before their generous king. During that interview, when his 

 heart felt naturally the pride of having acted in the manner he had 

 done, Sahale Selassee turned to the English officers, whom he knew 

 were compiling a book, and asked for a compliment, by saying, 

 " Will you write this down ? " 



I shall make but one more remark, that if indirect influence is to 

 be exaggerated into direct instigation, then I certainly claim to be 

 considered as the liberator of the Shoan princes ; for I possess evi- 

 dence of the regard entertained for me by Sahale Selassee, and I have 

 more than once hinted to his Majesty the difference that existed 

 between the policy of European courts, as regarded the younger 

 branches of royalty, and that which was observed in Shoa. To his 

 courtiers, also, who conveyed to his ears every word that was said, I 

 always denounced the custom of imprisonment as most absurd and 

 cruel. 



