TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
47 
stacles, the Portuguese now made their way, with 
difficulty, through the kingdom of Cambat. They 
then reached Alaba, a Moorish territory, the go- 
vernor of which judged them persons who ought 
to be inquired into. There chanced to be at hand 
an Abyssinian schismatic, who assured him, that 
they were on their way to bring from India a body 
of Portuguese troops, with a view to the total ex- 
tirpation of the Mahometan faith. He considered 
himself, therefore, as acting a very lenient part 
when he spared their lives, and merely gave them 
instructions to return as they came. The travel- 
lers, accordingly, thought themselves too happy in 
again reaching Abyssinia alive, without any farther 
attempt to fulfil the object of their mission.* 
Jerome Lobo set sail from Lisbon in March, 
and arrived at Goa on the 16th of December 16 L 22. 
Soon after his landing, intelligence arrived from 
Abyssinia of the conversion of Sultan Segued, 
with many of his subjects, and that a larger supply 
of missionaries was alone necessary to improve these 
prosperous beginnings. Eight, therefore, of whom 
Lobo was one, were chosen for this important mis- 
sion. Great difference of opinion arose, as to the 
best mode of penetrating into the interior of that 
kingdom. Four went by the Red Sea, and after 
being detained for some time in custody by the 
* Tellez Ethiopiaa alta, IV. 2—10. 
