TRAVELS IN ABYSSINIA. 
600 of whom rode on steeds harnessed with elk 
skins, the rest on the bare horse. Beyond them 
were the Goragues, a people entirely heathen, 
and among whom all affairs were transacted by 
divination from the entrails of beasts. The king's 
tribute is paid chiefly in gold ; it consists of two 
lions, three whelps, and some hens and chickens, 
composed of that metal. The people reported 
that white men came to trade with them, but 
they knew not who, or from whence. 
Bermudez mentions Damut, Gojam, and the 
head of the Nile ; but his account differs in no 
material degree from that of other travellers. Be- 
yond Damut, however, he describes a territory 
called Couche, The king was called Axgagce, or 
Lord of Riches, a title justified by the profusion 
of gold to be found in his country. He paid al- 
legiance to the king of Abyssinia, but on condi- 
tion of the latter never entering his territory with- 
out his consent. This country is separated from 
Abyssinia by a broad river, over which the sove- 
reign would never allow a bridge to be built, lest 
it should cease to be a barrier of his dominions. 
His army consisted of 20,000 foot and 10,000 
horse, for the use of whom he carried constantly 
in the camp a thousand hand-mills, for grinding 
flour, worked by women. Being on good terms 
with the king of Abyssinia, he granted to him, 
along with Bermudez, the singular favour of shew- 
