rical, they
were at least men of a peaceful disposition. Our close formation, too,
had altogether failed to impress them, and the reports which had been
forwarded to Theodore had no doubt confirmed his belief that we were not
formidable as opponents. The complete defeat of his army on the plateau
of Aroge, in which his most trusted general, Fitaurari Gabriye, was
killed, completely shook him, and among his people the disinclination to
renew the combat with men armed with such wonderful weapons was
complete. The Abyssinians, indeed, complained that we did not fight
fair; their custom being that a line of men should advance, discharge
their pieces, and then retire, after which the opposite side did the
same. Then when the battle had gone on for some hours, the party that
had lost most men retired. The steady advance of the British troops,
and the incessant fire which they kept up, struck them as opposed to all
rules of fairness.

Theodore now sent down to inquire what terms would be given him; but the
reply was that nothing short of unconditional surrender could now be
granted, but that if he would send down his captives, and submit, his
life should be spared, and honourable treatment given him. He now sent
down a large herd of cattle, and these were, somewhat unfortunately,
received, for there is no doubt that the reception was, in accordance
with Abyssinian customs, a sign that hostilities would come to an end,
and the following morning the whole of the captives were sent into camp.
Theodore again asked for terms; but was again informed that
unconditional surrender could alone be accepted.

By this time the second division had arrived upon the scene, and a
strong force prepared to attack the stronghold of the Abyssinian king.
The Gallas, the hereditary enemies of the Abyssinians, had come up in
great numbers and encircled the fortress behind, rendering all escape in
that direction impossible, for although the fortress could not be
attacked from the rear, there existed two or three narrow paths by which
escape was possible. On the night before we attacked, Theodore
attempted to escape in this manner; but finding the Gallas everywhere in
force, he returned to his citadel and prepared to defend it to the last.
His army was now, however, determined to offer no further resistance.
Cowed by the terrible slaughter at Aroge, and seeing that the power to
order wholesale executions had now passed out of the tyrant's hands