TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 25 
camp. They were received with every demonstra- 
tion of respect and joy ; but, in a few hours after, 
orders were issued to the respective chiefs to take 
their departure for different parts of Abyssinia ; 
the king being resolved to practise the maxim, 
Divide et impera. Bermudez, however, was sent 
into quite an honourable exile, and was appointed 
nominal governor of the province of the Gaffiites 
(Efat), situated in the southern extremity of A- 
byssinia. Thither, accordingly, the patriarch was 
immediately conveyed, the chiefs of that coun- 
try being instructed to shew him every respect, 
and to pay all the rents of the province into his 
hands ; but on no account to allow him to depart. 
What chiefly concerns us is, that, in this unwel- 
come dignity, Bermudez obtained some informa- 
tion respecting these remote regions, which have 
not been visited by any other Europeans. 
The country of the GafFates is described as en- 
closed within high and craggy mountains, after 
passing which, they went down into a valley, so 
deep, that it appeared to the Patriarch like de- 
scending into hell. This valley proved, however, 
to be a great and rich country, abounding in fer- 
tile fields, and producing much gold. There is a 
manufacture also of fine cotton cloths. The peo- 
ple are described as " barbarous and evil." They 
were represented by many as Jews ; but it appears 
that they were Gentiles, and were thus viewed in 
