MEMOIR OF BRUCE. 
71 - 
less dangers and sufferings, the least of which would 
hare overwhelmed me, but for the continual good- 
ness and protection of Providence. I was then, 
however, hut half through my journey, and all 
those dangers which I had already passed, awaited 
me again on my return. I found a despondency 
gaining ground fast upon me, and blasting the crown 
of laurels I had too rashly woven for myself.” 
The artless style of these remarks is a strong 
internal evidence of the authenticity of Bruce's 
narrative. His tone of extravagant joy is suddenly 
overcast with a cloud of melancholy, on reflecting 
how disproportionate was the object of his discovery 
in itself, with the time and toil it had cost him to 
accomplish it. The contemptible streamlet, issuing 
from a hillock of green sods, bore little resemblance 
to the vast rolling mass of waters that gave fertility 
to Egypt. 
The transition from despondency to delight, in his 
present state of mental excitement, was equally 
rapid ; forgetting his gloomy anticipations, he drank 
to the health of his majesty King George III., from 
a large cup made of a cocoa-nut shell, still preserved 
among the family heir -loom’s at Kinnaird. Several 
other healths followed from the same limpid foun- 
tain, after which he tossed his cap in the air with a 
loud huzza, until the Agows, who had appeared on 
the neighbouring height, stood in silent amazement, 
believing that he was out of his senses, or had been 
bitten by a mad dog. After this scene of hilarity, 
which greatly amused his attendants, who could 
