38 
TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
as the table is removed, the cups are introduced, 
and a gay conversation begins, which is continued 
till they are thoroughly emptied. The Abyssinians 
then rose, and went off abruptly, without noticing 
their guests or inviting them to remain. Our mis- 
sionary was not much edified at this last part of his 
treatment. He rose and departed ; but judged it 
advisable rather to shew himself grateful for the 
honour of being admitted to the emperor's table, 
than dissatisfied with any want of courtesy which 
might appear at the close of the festival. 
Another interesting fragment of Payz, preserved 
by Kircher, relates to his examination of the sour- 
ces of the river, which he, in common with the 
rest of the Portuguese and Abyssinians, supposed 
to be the principal head of the Nile. As there 
seems every reason to believe, that he was the first, 
and probably, Bruce excepted, the only European 
visitor of these " coy fountains/' it may not be amiss 
to give in full the passage where he describes them. 
" The source of the Nile is situated in the ele- 
vated part of a valley, which resembles a large plain, 
surrounded on every side with ridges of hills. 
While I resided in this kingdom with the emperor 
and his army, I ascended this place on the 21st 
April 161 8, and took a diligent survey of every 
part of it. I saw two round fountains, both about 
four palms in diameter. Great was my pleasure 
In beholding what Cyrus, king of the Persians, 
