I 
56 ANT ALO W. 
large pillows upon it covered with rich satin. On each side of 
hirn; Seated on the floor, which was carpetted, were all his princi- 
pal chiefs, and among others, our friend Baharnegash Yasous. On 
being ushered with much bustle into his presence, according to 
the custom of the country, we bowed, and then kissed the back of 
his hand, and he in return kissed ours ; he then pointed to a vacant 
couch on his right, covered with a beautiful skin, on which we were 
immediately seated. After this the usual compliments passed, the 
Ras on his part expressing his pleasure at seeing us, and we on our 
part making a proper return, with additional compliments from 
Lord Valentia at Mocha. We were then given to understand that 
nothing more was to be said at this visit. In a few minutes after Cap- 
tain Rudland was taken away to inspect the apartments allotted us, 
and on his return we withdrew, attended by a minister of the Ras, 
through whom we were to communicate all our wishes. 
" The hurry, with which our first interview was conducted, did 
not permit us to make many observations concerning the persons 
present, and our attention was of course principally directed to the 
Ras. He is remarkably smajl in person, and delicately formed, 
quick in his manner, notwithstanding his age, which was said to be 
seyenty-two, with a shrewd expression in his countenance, and con- 
siderable dignity in his deportment. Though he did not move from 
his epuch, on which he partly reclined, yet our reception was consi- 
dered to be particularly gracious, as, by kissing our hands, in return, 
he placed us on an equality with himself. We had previously been 
required to uncover our heads and prostrate ourselves before him ; 
but this we most positively refused. 
" We were furnished in the course of the day with abundance of 
