ANTALO. 
371 
Without considering this circumstance, or taking into account 
the nature of the composition to be exhibited, I requested Mr. 
Pearce to let off one of the largest of our fire-works, labelled 
" a flower-pot." Some little time was occupied in preparing it; 
and on its being placed nearly in the centre of the room, eager 
expectation sat on the countenances of all who were present. 
At length the match was brought and the fuse lighted, when 
such a deluge of sparks and fire balls were almost instantaneously 
showered down upon us, that its effects struck the whole party 
with consternation. Several of the chiefs cried out, that the de- 
struction had come upon them which they had expected to ensue 
from our arrival in the country ; others, more alarmed, crept under 
the couches ; and some ran, frightened and screaming, into the cor- 
ners of the room : while the Ras and a few of the more resolute only 
kept quietly on their seats. At the instant that I perceived the 
confusion which was likely to be produced by this exhibition, I 
jumped from my couch, stood immediately before the Ras, and, 
with open arms kept off" the sparks of fire that fell towards 
him ; assuring him, most solemnly, at the same time, that no 
danger could be apprehended. His natural courage was strongly 
displayed on this occasion ; for he sat perfectly collected, smiling 
at the alarm of his followers, and, though several of their gar- 
ments afterwards caught fire and the uproar continued to increase, 
did not evince the slightest agitation. Fortunately, his own dress 
was one of the few that escaped unsinged, which was considered 
as a good omen, especially as that of Kasimaj Yasous, the King's 
brother, did not meet with the same good fortune. At length, to 
my great relief, the shower of sparks began to abate, and when 
3 B 
