THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. 6? 5 



ble the law of England, may be defended from the import* 

 ance of the cafe, but fcarcely from any principle of juftice 

 or reafon. 



It foon appeared that a confpiracy had been on foot ; 

 feveral great men fled from court, among thefe Johannes,, 

 who had the charge of the king's horfes. But Shalaka Wa- 

 ragna and Billetana Gueta David, being fent immediately 

 after him, this confpiracy was foon flined, and the ringlead- 

 ers difperfed, moftly into Amhara^ where they were taken, 

 prifoners by "Woodage governor of the province, and fent to 

 the king. Johannes, finding it impomble to efcape, took to 

 one of thofe papyrus boats ufed in navigating the lake Tza-< 

 na ; and, being driven by the wind, landed in an ifland* be- 

 longing to the queen, where he was taken prifoner, with 

 his wife and family, and delivered up, on condition that he. 

 fliould not be put to death, . 



Kasmati Cambi, returning from Damot, fell acciden- 

 tally upon Palambaras Mafmari and feveral others, and 

 brought them prifoners to Gondar. A council was 

 thereupon held, and the confpirators put upon their trial, 

 Palambaras Mafmari, and Abou Barea who was one of the 

 judges, were condemned to be hanged on the tree before 

 the palace-gate. Johannes and the reft were committed to 

 clofe prifon, in the hands of the Betwudet. 



It was thought a proper expedient to check thefe diforders,. 

 to haften the coronation pf the king, though very young, 



The 



D-ek, 



