68 
TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
nineteen, well made, of a majestic stature, and, 
though black, had neither the thick lips nor flat 
nose usually found in the negro race. He was 
dressed in a long silken vest embroidered with 
gold, having over it a kind of scarf made of very 
fine cotton. Before entering, they were obliged 
to pull off their shoes ; and on being ushered into 
the presence, did homage, by falling on their knees, 
and kissing the ground thrice. The king shewed 
great pleasure at the view of the glasses, curiosities, 
&c. which were offered as presents, and put many 
questions, which shewed an intelligent and inqui- 
sitive turn of mind. The chief amusement of this 
monarch, was to make an excursion twice a week 
into the country, with a numerous cavalcade of 
courtiers and attendants. Most of his time there 
was spent in seeing his nobles fire at a mark. On 
other days, he devoted himself almost entirely to 
public business, particularly to the administration 
of justice, which is performed in the summary 
manner usual over all the east. On the death of 
a king of Sennaar, the great council assembles, and 
having fixed upon the heir, immediately takes 
measures for putting all his brothers to death. 
One brother of the reigning monarch, however, 
had escaped this barbarous precaution, and was 
now in Abyssinia. 
Poncet was much struck with the cheapness of 
all commodities at Sennaar. A camel cost only 
seven or eight livres, an ox two and a half, a sheep 
