10 TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
for, but were again long detained under the burn- 
ing heat of the sun, before they could obtain ad- 
mission. They found the prince in a room on 
the ground-floor, his residence containing no 
other. He did not receive them very graciously. 
Though he complained of sore eyes, he rejected 
their proffered medical aid ; and told themj that 
he could give them no mules, though he would 
allow them to buy for themselves. On coming 
out they were offered a repast of half kneaded 
barley and a horn of mead, but chose rather to 
abstain than to accept of such food. The prince's 
mother, however, moved by a hospitable im- 
pulse, sent after them a supply of more savoury 
viands. 
The country for a great distance around Do- 
barwa is very fertile, abounding in cattle, and 
crowded with villages. The town itself is agree- 
ably situated upon a rock. Alvarez was particu- 
larly struck with the number of females by whom 
it was peopled, but whose deportment does not 
seem to have been very exemplary. This is ac- 
counted for by tlie great number of persons who 
came thither to pay court to the Barnagasso, and 
who, instead of bringing their own wives or con- 
cubines, chose rather to use such as were already 
resident. Polygamy here is forbidden by the 
church, but permitted by the king and the law, 
and thus liable to no penalty except excommuni* 
