716 Report on Shoa [No. 140. 



Peter now resolved upon the bold game of espousing the weaker party, 

 and thus gaining a firmer hold in the event of success. The expected re- 

 enforcements did not however arrive in time, and the defeat and death of 

 his protege" was followed by the advancement of the pretender Sunscus 

 to the throne of the empire. 



Notwithstanding his appearance as a declared partizan in the opposing 

 ranks, Peter's abilities as an architect now created a fresh diversion in 

 his favor. The novel idea of a two-storied edifice engrossed the thoughts 

 of the reigning king, and men flocked from the remotest parts of the 

 country to gaze upon a fabric of stone, which was considered to be one 

 of the wonders of the world. 



A Missionary possessing the varied abilities and acquirements of Pays, 

 could not be long in gaining ascendancy over a rude and illiterate mo- 

 narch, and by address and perseverance, he had soon effected that which 

 the threats and violence of his predecessors had vainly attempted during 

 a long course of years. 



Ras Cella Christoo, brother to the emperor, was the first fruit of the 

 harvest. Partaking of the Holy Supper with the Latins, he publicly em- 

 braced their religion, and many chiefs and nobles followed his illustrious 

 example. Crowded assemblies were held, in which the eloquence of the 

 Jesuit entirely bore done the feeble efforts of the ignorant and unculti- 

 vated natives. The holiness of life, which was strictly preserved among 

 the neophytes of the Catholics, added to the impression entertained of 

 their wisdom, and the introduction of useful arts, raised the glory of the 

 fathers still higher in the land, and the prospect of the aid of disciplined 

 soldiers from the West overturned the last remaining scruple in the 

 mind of the monarch. 



An edict was published, interdicting all persons from holding office, 

 who were not well inclined towards the Latin religion, and severe 

 punishments were threatened for the promulgation of ancient doctrines. 

 Assistance was solicited from Rome and Lisbon, and the work of Euro- 

 pean persecution favorably commenced by scourging with whips, all those 

 stubborn monks who refused to forego their ancient belief. 



Abba Simeon, the Abuna, repaired to the court to remonstrate with 

 the emperor on the scandalous interference with his prerogatives in con- 

 vening meetings and authorizing debates upon ecclesiastical matters ; but 

 his pride was timely soothed by the royal assurance, that all had been 



