18 
TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
sation with them. He inquired, with evident sus- 
picion, into the motives of their journey, and into 
the want of some presents which he had been 
taught to expect. He seemed not at all disposed 
to admit the authenticity of Matthew's diplomatic 
character. The Portuguese endeavoured to satisfy 
him upon these points, and t in the course of the con- 
versation, his mind appeared to be much mollified. 
Next day provisions were sent, and they were as- 
sured of a regular supply. 
On the 3d his majesty again sent for them, and 
a conversation was held through the medium of 
the Cabeata. He asked many questions of a mi- 
litary nature ; such as, how many arquebusses 
they had brought with them ?- — an object apparent- 
ly of some jealousy. He asked, also, how the 
Moors and Turks had learned to make fire-arms 
and ordnance ? whether the Moors were most 
afraid of the Portuguese, or the Portuguese of 
them ? The ambassador assured him, that faith in 
their religion rendered them quite superior to all 
dread of the Moors ; an assertion to which the 
monarch returned somewhat of a sceptical answer. 
Soon after there was a long conference, and 
much discussion concerning the respective tenets of 
the Romish and Abyssinian churches. The em- 
peror made a firm stand for the marriage of the 
priesthood, and seems to have seriously puzzled 
the ambassador, by quoting decrees of councils to 
