[ 131 ] 
CHAPTER IV. 
September 26. — This day being considered as the principal day 
of muster, I went with Captain Rudland after breakfast, to the Ras, 
but Mr. Carter was too unwell to accompany us. On this occasion, 
I clothed myself in an Abyssinian garment, and Captain Rudland 
in his British uniform. We found the Ras seated in a small veran- 
dah in front of a building, converted to the purpose from a butler's 
hall, which overlooked a walled inclosure about three hundred 
yards in circumference. Around him were seated many of his prin- 
cipal chiefs. He received us with his usual attention, seemed much 
gratified by our change of dress, and placed us immediately beside 
him on his couch. 
" It is difficult to describe the scene that ensued. The outer part 
of the inclosure was lined with crowds of the inhabitants, and others 
had mounted the walls, which soon were completely covered with 
them. Opposite the Ras was a gateway, in a room over which 
sat a number of officers of state, appointed to regulate the review. 
Through this gateway the chiefs came in separately, one after the 
other, each with his respective followers. First entered the cavalry, 
with the chief at their head, galloping round the circus, and bran- 
dishing their spears with great agility. The dresses of these consisted 
for the most part of kincaubs, embroidered damask, flowered with 
gold, or black velvet studded with ornaments of silver, thrown as 
VOL. III. s 
