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refused it on the plea, that " he was as much afraid of the Ras as 
they were." On this they went to the Ras, humbled themselves 
with stones on their necks, and consented to pay any tribute that 
he might demand. The Ras restored them to their commands ; they 
afterwards drank out of the same cup, and were as brothers. 
" Tusfarten, Baharnegash of the country lying between the Nayib's 
and Tigre, terrified at what was passing, came in with immense 
tribute, which he had long before neglected to pay. From this time 
presents were interchanged between Ras Gabriel of Samen and Ras 
Welleta Selasse, which it would seem were always in favour of the 
latter, for the former soon grew tired of the intercourse, and sent 
to Welleta Selasse, acquainting him that he might as well be subject 
to him, as be obliged to make presents equal to an annual tri- 
bute. On this Welleta Selasse collected his forces, crossed the Ta- 
cazza, and marched against Gabriel, who had shut himself up in 
the strong hold of Amba-hai. There was but one pass known by 
which this hill was accessible ; yet after a long siege the Ras over- 
came every difficulty, and got possession of the hill, which, to his 
great astonishment, he found deserted, Ras Gabriel having fled with 
all his people by a secret pass. The conqueror in his anger laid the 
whole place in ruins. Gabriel then sued for peace, and the Ras again 
put Amba-hai under his command, after having obliged the inha- 
bitants to go over to Axum, and swear allegiance to his person. 
Before matters were settled, Gabriel had come towards Adowa with 
a stone on his neck, but was met on the road by Nebrida Aram, 
who brought him the good intelligence of the Ras's forgiveness. 
Presents of great value, consisting of a red tent, gold, muskets, &;c. 
were made by Ras Gabriel on this occasion; and for some time 
