58 TRAVELS TO DISCOVER 
journey into Habefh to the utmoft of his power, provided I 
fhewed him that confideration which was due to him from 
all paflengers; that as, by my tent, baggage, and arms, he 
faw I was a man above the common fort, which the grand 
fignior’s firman, and all my letters teftified, lefs than 1000 
patakas offered by me would be putting a great affront up- 
on him; however, in confideration of the governor of Ti- 
gre, to whom I was going, he would confent to receive 300, 
upon my fwearing not to divulge this, for fear of the fhame. 
that would fall upon him abroad. | 
To this I anfwered in the fame grave tone, “ That I thought 
him very wrong to take 300 patakas with {hame, when re- 
ceiving a thoufand would be more honourable as well as 
more profitable; therefore he had nothing to do but put 
that into his account-book with the governor of Tigré, and 
fettle his honour and his intereft together. As for myfelf, 
I was fent for by Metical Aga, on account of the king, and 
was proceeding accordingly, and if he oppofed my going 
forward to Metical Aga, I fhould return; but then again 
I fhould expect ten thoufand patakas from Metical Aga, for 
the trouble and lofs of time I had been at, which he and 
the Ras would no doubt fettle with him.” The Naybe faid 
nothing in reply, but only muttered, clofing his teeth, /be:- 
tan afrit, that devil or tormenting fpirit. | 
“ Loox you, (fays one of the king’s fervants, whom I had 
not heard {peak before) I was ordered to bring this man to: 
my mafter; f heard no talk of patakas; the army is ready 
to march againft Waragna Fafil, I muft not lofe my time 
here.” Then taking his fhert red cloak under his arm, 
and giving it a fhake to make the duft fly from it, he put 
xt 
