TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
19 
that effect, of which the latter was obliged to con- 
fess his total ignorance. The interview, however, 
passed amicably, and after several similar discus- 
sions, the Prete determined to admit them to the 
high honour of a view of his person. On the even- 
ing of the 1 9th of November, they went to the first 
gate, where they were detained for a long time, 
till the night was nearly spent. Then, after many 
ceremonies, they were brought in view of the first 
curtains. These being raised, they discovered other 
curtains richer still ; and behind them, thrones co- 
vered with splendid tapestry. Behind the thrones 
were curtains, richer than any of those formerly 
seen ; which being raised, they at length beheld 
the Prete Janni seated on a scaffold, ascended 
by six steps. He had on his head a crown of 
gold and silver, with a silver cross in his hand ; and 
wore a rich dress of silk and gold. He was young, 
not above twenty -three, of low stature, not quite 
black, but " of the colour of ruddy apples." The 
letters of the Captain- General of India were then 
presented ; and being translated, were graciously 
read, though a wish was expressed that they had 
come from the king of Portugal himself. Points 
of divinity were then agitated, and the Prete then 
put the question, Whether, if the Pope should 
order things contrary to the precepts of the apostles, 
they would think themselves justified in obeying 
him ? The Portuguese evaded the question \ but 
