TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
79 
Mr Bruce saw Has Michael, for the first 
time, on his return from a campaign against 
the Galla. He appeared lean, old, with sore 
eyes, and had merely a dirty cloth wrapt about his 
person. On our traveller being introduced, he 
gave the usual salutation, but took no farther no- 
tice of him. Afterwards, when Mahomet Ghi- 
berti requested protection for him, Michael pro- 
tested the extreme difficulty he found in protect- 
ing himself, and his consequent total inability to 
protect any other person. When, however, he was 
told that Yagoube (the name borne by Mr Bruce) 
excelled all the Abyssinians in riding and shoot- 
ing ; and when his skill in the latter exercise was 
proved by his piercing a shield with a candle, 
Michael's neglect ceased, and he appointed him to 
an office near his person. Mr Bruce was now ad- 
mitted to a share in the scenes of coarse and bru- 
tal festivity, with which Gondar was then filled* 
Michael was marrying one of his grand-daughters 
to Powussen, governor of Begemder. A vast num- 
ber of cattle were slaughtered every day, and the 
meat distributed raw through the town ; while hy- 
dromel was drunk in immense quantities. Mr Bruce 
was obliged to dine every day with the king, and 
to drink copiously of that favourite liquor, to the 
great injury of his health. In the evening, he re- 
paired to parties given by married ladies, who 
ate, drank, and smoked like the men ; and whose 
