as Abyssinia. It is hardly possible to sing in one
church, or monastery, without being heard in another, and perhaps by
several. They sing the Psalms of David, of which they have a very
exact translation in their own language. They begin their concert by
stamping their feet on the ground, and playing gently on their
instruments; but when have become warm by degrees, they leave off
drumming, and fall to leaping, dancing, shouting and clapping hands,
till their is neither tune nor pause, but rather a religious riot. For
this manner of religious worship, they quote the Psalm--"O clap your
hands, all ye nations." Gordon says, "I could not but like this poor
simple-minded peasantry."

Again he writes:--

"We are about a days march from the river Taczzi, which joins the Nile
at Berber. Nearing the Palace, if so I may call it, I was met by the
King's body guard. I was of course wearing the Crest and Field
Marshal's uniform; the soldiers were sitting on their heels and never
got up. Passing through them I found my mule so tired that I got down
and walked. On arrival at the Palace, I was admitted to the King, who
sat upon a raised dais, with the Itage, or Chief Priest on the ground
at his left hand. Then guns were fired, and the King said, "That is
in your honour, and you can retire," which I did, to see him again
shortly. Again Gordon visited the Royal personage, and was granted
permission to present his case, but Gordon considered himself unduly
humbled as he was ordered to stand afar off; a stool at length was
placed for him to sit upon. This humble position Gordon would at
other times have accepted and tolerated, but not here and now; he must
show his dignity as the representative of a Foreign, powerful monarch;
he seized the stool and carried it up to near where the King sat, and
placed it by his side, saying, "Though in your hands I may be a
prisoner, I am a man as much as you are, and can only meet you as an
equal." His sable Majesty was greatly annoyed at Gordon's audacious
conduct, and remarking said, "Gordon Pasha don't you know I am the
King, and could kill you if I wished." "I am perfectly aware of
that," said Gordon, "Do so at once if it is your Royal pleasure, I am
ready." "What," said the King, "Ready to be killed?" "Certainly,"
said Gordon, "I am always ready to die, and so far from fearing you