252 VISIT TO OZORO ASQUALL. 
On our road we had to traverse a steep pass whicli led us into 
a fertile valley, and soon afterwards to a lofty hill on which stood 
the mansion of the Ozoro. 
Though our arrival was quite unexpected she received us with 
great attention ; and, on our entrance, introduced us to her 
husband, who happened at this time to be on a visit to her : he 
appeared to be a young man of mild and agreeable manners, but 
was said to possess no very extraordinary ability. The lady her- 
self was tolerably handsome, but was seen to great disadvantage^ 
owing to the family being in deep mourning, on account of the 
death of Ay to Manasseh ; it being usual on such occasions to 
disfigure the person as much as possible, in proof of the sincerity 
of their grief : in fact, it may be considered as a sort of scriptural 
mourning which is practised in this country, both men and 
women clothing themselves, literally, in sackcloth and ashes." 
Our hostess was, at the time of our introduction, engaged in giving 
a fast dinner to some of her dependants, as is customary during 
the season of Lent, which the higher classes of Abyssinians observe 
with strict and scrupulous attention. 
In the evening a second repast was prepared for our party, and 
the lady, as well as the husband, partook freely with us of the 
maiz. The former appeared to be of a remarkably gay and 
cheerful disposition, and not particularly reserved in her manners ; 
frequently interchanging cups with her friend, Mr. Pearce, across 
the table, and evidently expressing regret at the restraint imposed 
by her husband's presence : the whole scene, indeed, though not 
uncommon in other countries, alForded a striking instance of the 
superiority which ladies of rank in Abyssinia are accustomed to 
