TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA* 
21 
two thousand, three hundred, and fifty-six. They 
were first assembled in a large field, where the 
Abuna, seated on a mule, called out, that if any 
man had two wives or more, he was excom- 
municated if he attempted to become a priest* 
The candidates were then seated in three long 
rows ; and three priests went from one to another, 
and examined them— merely as to their capacity of 
reading. From the vast number present, this in- 
vestigation was necessarily so short, that several did 
not read above two words. When the ceremony 
was over, the Prete sent for Alvarez, and asked his 
opinion of the manner of conducting it. The secre- 
tary stated two objections ; first, the vast and " infi- 
nite" number of persons thus at once admitted with- 
in the pale of the church ; next, the total absence of 
clothing on the part of those newly created priests, 
there not being even such a portion as the most 
common decency required. The Prete replied, that 
as to number, much apology was necessary for 
its being so small, there being usually not less 
than five or six thousand on such an occasion. The 
Abuna, not having been expected at this time, had 
caused so very thin an attendance. With regard 
to the deficiency of the habiliments, he allowed, on 
reflection, that this arrangement was not very de- 
corous, and expressed his intention of amending it 
in future. 
The next ceremony consisted in the ordination 
of clerks. There was here no examination, as persons 
