ption hall. It was
circular, and showy. The lofty walls glittered with a profusion of silver
ornaments, emblazoned shields, matchlocks, and double-barreled guns.
Persian carpets and rugs of all sizes, colours, and patterns, covered the
floors; and crowds of governors, chiefs, and officers of the court, in
their holiday attire, stood in a posture of respect, uncovered to the
girdle. Two wide alcoves receded on either side, in one of which blazed a
cheerful wood fire, engrossed by indolent cats; while in the other, on a
flowered satin ottoman, surrounded by withered slaves and juvenile pages,
and supported by gay velvet cushions, lay "His most Christian majesty,
Sahela Selasse!" The Dech Agulari (state doorkeeper,) as master of the
ceremonies, stood with a rod of green rushes to preserve the exact
distance of approach to royalty; and as the British entered and made their
bows, pointed them to chairs, which done, it was commanded that all should
be covered.

The monarch was not unworthy of figuring in this pomp. Forty summers, of
which eight-and-twenty had been passed on the throne, had slightly
furrowed his forehead, and grizzled a full bushy head of hair, arranged in
elaborate curls. But, though wanting the left eye, "the expression of his
manly features, open, pleasing, and commanding, did not belie the
character for impartial justice which he had obtained far and wide; even
the robber tribes of the low country calling him a fine balance of gold."

After the delivery of the ambassadorial letters, the exhibition commenced,
which had so long been the envy of the courtiers, and probably the
conversation of the kingdom. The presents were displayed. A rich Brussels
carpet, which completely covered the hall, Cashmere shawls, and
embroidered Delhi scarfs of resplendent hues, excited universal admiration.
The finer specimens were handed to the king. As the various presents
succeeded, the delight increased. A group of Chinese dancing figures,
produced bursts of merriment; and when the European escort, in full
uniform, with the sergeant at their head, marched into the hall, paced in
front of the throne, and performed the manual and platoon exercises, amid
ornamented clocks chiming, and musical boxes playing "God save the Queen,"
his majesty appeared quite entranced. "But many and bright were the smiles
that lighted up the royal features, as three hundred muskets, with
bayonets fixed, were piled in front of the royal footstool. A