CHELICUT. 
335 
great knowledge of the Geez, though in this respect, as well as 
with regard to the Amharic, he considerably improved himself 
during his stay in the country. An interpreter accompanied 
him, of the name of Michael, through whom he generally con- 
versed, always indeed, when he (Dofter Esther) had been present ; 
but he understood, that he occasionally spoke Arabic with the 
Mahomedans. 
After remaining some time at Gondar, having gained the Em- 
peror's permission, he went, under the protection of Fasil, to visit 
the sources of the Abaio or Nile, accompanied by a young man, 
(Balugani) who attended him in his travels. In the first attempt 
they failed, and were plundered ; but in the second they suc- 
ceeded, and returned back safely to Gondar. When the Acab 
Saat, Abba Salama, was hung for treason, Dofter Esther was 
present at his execution, and he affirmed that every body thought 
Ras Michael right in condemning him. Balugani died some 
time afterwards. 
He described Mr. Bruce as a noble-looking man, and men- 
tioned, that he was greatly noticed by the king, being one of the 
baalomaals,'' or favourites'' about the court, like Mr. Pearce 
at Chelicut : he also rode remarkably well, on a black horse of 
his own, and the king sometimes lent him one of his stud. The 
king had several horses called koccob,'' or star one was 
called ' ' koccob turinge,'' or star of a citron colour \' another 
''koccob bulla," or ''bay star," and a third ''koccob ammar," or red 
star," all of which were kept for his own riding ; but he had not 
at any time a body guard of horse so called. There was a corps 
of black horse from Sennaar, the riders of which were drest in 
