328 
CHELICUT 
by both these Emperors in the high posts of Ras and Betwudet 
of the empire, which last office appears to be somewhat analogous 
to that which Pharoah conferred upon Joseph, when he set him 
over his house/' 
These respective monarchs, however, not being long able to 
retain the sovereignty (as I have related more particularly in my 
former journal), the crown fell, according to the preponderance 
of the different provinces, into other hands, until it was at length 
agreed by Kas Welled Selasse and Guxo, Governor of Gojam, 
(who succeeded to the power of Fasil) that Ayto Egwala Sion, son 
of Ischias, should be placed on the throne. Some religious disputes 
liaving subsequently arisen between these powerful chieftains, 
it had occasioned a rupture, which, since my return, has again 
thrown the country into a civil war ; the Emperor, in the mean 
time, remaining neglected at Gondar, with a very small retinue 
of servants, and an income by no means adequate to the support 
of his dignity; so that, as he possesses neither wealth, power, 
nor influence in the state ; royalty maybe considered, for a time, 
almost eclipsed in the country. 
The duties of the Ras's situation, who may be regarded as an 
independent ruler, are extremely arduous, some notion of which 
may be formed by a reference to the map, where the extent of 
the country under what may be called " his personal jurisdiction,'' 
is marked out. Throughout this extensive district, all crimes, 
differences and disputes, of however important or trifling a nature, 
are ultimately referred to his determination, all rights of inherit- 
age are decided according to his will, and most wars are carried 
on by himself in person. To rule a savage people of so many 
