MEMOIR OF BRUCE. 
39 
rather a dangerous accomplishment. In a few days 
he was desired to repair to the convent of St. George, 
where he met with his old triend. Father Christo- 
pher, who had lived with him at Algiers ; and from 
that venerable patriarch he received much useful 
intelligence respecting Abyssinia, where several of 
the highest offices in the kingdom, he told him, were 
held by Greeks, with whom he corresponded. The 
fame of his astrological science led the Bey to 
request an interview, that he might ascertain the 
result of the war then pending between Russia and 
Turkey. Bruce answered with true sybilline ob- 
scurity, which amazed the Bey, and he was dismissed 
with an offer of coffee, sweetmeats, and protection. 
His knowledge of physic likewise attracted the 
notice of Ali, who again sent for him to prescribe 
a cure for a fit of sickness with which he had been 
seized after dinner. Bruce recommended an emetic ; 
a remedy which, being contrary to the religion as 
well as the stomach of a Musssulman, was declined, 
until the experiment was made on a young monk, 
“ who was absolutely turned inside out before them,” 
that the Bey might have the satisfaction to see how 
the medicine operated. 
Anxious to advance on his journey, our traveller 
procured recommendatory letters to the governor of 
Syene and Upper Egypt, also to the Bey of Suez, 
the Sheriff of Mecca, the Nail) of Massuah (then 
part of Abyssinia), and to the King of Sennaar. 
Thus provided, he hade adieu to Cairo, and em- 
barking with his little party on the 12th of Dc- 
