TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
though overlooked in many instances, was enforced 
against Covilham. He was loaded, however, with 
lands and possessions ; and being a greater man 
in Abyssinia than in his native country, was not, 
perhaps, very earnest in his solicitations for per- 
mission to depart. 
Although, however, the court of Abyssinia would 
not permit Covilham's return to Europe, they felt 
every inclination to cultivate the king of Portu- 
gal's alliance, hoping, from his pious zeal, for aid 
in their continual wars against the Moors of AdeL 
The empress Helena, therefore* who governed the 
country during the minority of her son David, 
selected a person named Matthew, an Armenian 
merchant, who, though not the most dignified am- 
bassador, appeared to possess the qualities which 
best fitted him for such an office. A young Abys- 
sinian nobleman accompanied him, but died on 
the voyage. Matthew, after long delays, arrived 
in Portugal in 1513. No one, who considers the 
unbounded veneration which attached to the idea 
of Prester John, will be surprised at the delight 
felt by the king, on receiving this first embassy 
from so renowned a personage. Every honour was 
lavished upon Matthew, and an embassy, on a 
great scale, was soon fitted out to return with him 
to Abyssinia. At the head of it was placed Ed- 
ward Galvan, a man of great abilities and expe- 
rience, who had filled the highest offices in the 
