MOUNTAIN OF ASSAULI 445 
covered with green turf, and surrounded by trees, where we en- 
camped for the night. At a short distance from this place a 
stream of fresh water issued from a crevice in the rocks, and an 
old man, who had travelled up from the coast, sat musing near 
its source. On our going up to him he turned round and accosted 
us, and to my great surprise, enquired after the Emperor's 
health at Gondar V* This seems to confirm a remark I have 
before made, that the royal family is looked up to with more 
respect here than in most other parts of the country. In the 
evening Baharnegash Yasous, who had attended me during 
my whole stay in the country, took his leave. Among all the 
men with whom I have ever been intimately acquainted, I con- 
sider this old man as one of the most perfect and blameless cha- 
racters. His mind seemed to be formed upon the purest prin- 
ciples of the Christian religion ; his every thought and action 
appearing to be the result of its dictates. He would often, to 
ease his mule, walk more than half the day ; and as he jour- 
neyed by my side, continually recited prayers for our welfare 
and future prosperity. On all occasions he sought to repress in 
those around him every improper feeling of anger ; conciliated 
them by the kindest words, and excited them by his own ex- 
ample to an active performance of their several duties. If a man 
were weary, he would assist him in carrying his burthen ; if he 
perceived any of the mules backs to be hurt, he would beg me 
to have them relieved ; and constantly, when he saw me engaged 
in shooting partridges or other birds, he would call out to them 
to fly out of the way ; shaking his head and begging me in a 
mournful accent not to kill them. I have remarked in my former 
