392 ' ANTALO. 
honourable than disgraceful throughout the East ; and the dif- 
ference between their state and that of the western slaves is 
strikingly apparent. They have no long voyage to make, no 
violent change of habits to undergo, no out-door labour to perform, 
and no white man's scorn'' to endure, but, on the contrary, are 
frequently adopted, like children, into the family, and, to make 
use of an Eastern expression, bask in the sunshine of their 
master's favour." 
On the 2d of May, in consequence of my having acceded to 
Mr. Coffin's desire of remaining in the country, the Has assembled 
at midnight four of the chief priests of Antalo, and declared 
before them his intentions respecting both him and Mr. Pearce. 
He promised, that he would always treat them with kindness, 
would supply their wants, and, whenever they might choose it, 
would do all in his power to facilitate their return home. In 
compliance with a wish which I had expressed, that the primary- 
object of maintenance might be left without dispute, he agreed, 
that they should be allowed three interlaams (or twenty-four 
bushels) of corn per month, besides provender for two horses, 
thirty pieces of salt weekly, and a gumbo of maiz every day, 
with other articles in proportion ; and, he added, that, if Mr. 
Pearce continued faithful to him, he would in a short time settle 
upon him an ample provision. This agreement being concluded, 
a prayer, as usual, was recited by the priests to give a sanctity to 
the act ; after which they retired. We then proceeded to take 
our nightly repast," which consisted of a curried fowl and a 
quantity of cakes made with peas and tefF. 
During the following day, while preparations were making for 
