ADOWA. 
75 
center of which is the main building, of a square form, and divided by 
a passage that runs through it into two unequal compartments. It 
is built of solid masses of stone and timber, which have in some 
places been strengthened by bars of iron, and the but-ends of all 
the beams and planks have been rounded and left projecting, as 
ornaments. Within arc some miserable paintings, of which one 
represents Abbou Garima, with a long white beard and mustachios, 
wearing a turban, and seated according to the Turkish fashion. He 
is attended by many others dressed like himself, among whom is one 
with mustachios only. Several priests were present, and were very 
attentive in shewing us the whole of the building. The only ac- 
count that they could give of the place, was the fabulous one, that 
Abbou Garima, 1500 years ago, was brought from Secundria hither 
in one night by the anger Gabriel, and after residing here a long 
time, was carried away in as mysterious a manner, and has never 
since been heard of ; in commemoration of whom this church was 
erected by Guebra Mascal, who then reigned in Abyssinia. This, 
according to the Abyssinian annals, would bring his coming down 
to 500 anno Domini instead of 300, as Guebra Mascal was the suc- 
cessor of Elesbaas, who was cotemporary with the Roman Emperor 
Justin. 
" We were obliged to hasten away as speedily as possible, in 
order to reach Adowa before night ; and after toiling over a road 
perpetually ascending and descending, sometimes swampy, some- 
times rocky, and at all times much incumbered with loose stones, 
we at length came in sight of the town, enveloped in smoke. The 
market was just over, and the people, who were returning to their 
respective villages, were all curious enough to see the strangers; 
VOL. in, L 
