82 TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
the sources of the Nile, fasil, without absolutely 
refusing his request, allowed clearly to transpire 
the utter contempt in which he held him as a 
Frank and white man. Mr Bruce on this occa- 
sion burst into a violent rage, and threw out the bit- 
terest taunts at this barbarous chieftain. His wrath 
so agitated his whole frame, as to cause a violent 
bleeding at the nose, which occasioned him to be car- 
ried home to his lodgings. On beginning to cool, 
he was much discomposed on considering the ef- 
fects which FasiTs resentment might produce ; and 
particularly, in thinking that all prospect of visit- 
ing the Nile must certainly be over. He was 
much surprised to learn, that Fasil, without dis- 
composing himself, had given the necessary direc- 
tions for forwarding him to the spot which he wish- 
ed to visit. This intelligence, which he could scarce- 
ly at first credit, was next morning fully confirmed ; 
and, by a display of his powers in riding and shoot- 
ing, he removed the contempt with which the Gal- 
la chief had at first viewed him, and they parted on 
good terms. He was accommodated with two ne- 
cessary companions ; one of which was Woldo, an 
inferior chief, whose character was marked by all 
the savage eccentricities of his nation \ the other 
was Fasil's horse, given, not for the purpose of 
riding, but of driving before him. This horse, 
it seems, was viewed with such profound re- 
spect by every Galla, that, preceded by him, they 
