'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1865 to December 1867. (Edited by the Honorary Secretary.) Volume XVIII.' [‎82] (214/268)

82
ME. RASSAM’S MISSION TO THE
saying in Arabic “ ibsbin la takhaf,” that xs, ‘ Be of good cheer, be
xZ afraid.” He then remained standing on the bank, til e saw the
road made sufficiently good for the army to pass. This day they
halted at Omka, where there was a tremendous shower of ram. The
thunder and lightning were frightful. . ^ (
Next day (3rd February) the march was m the direction of Agan
Modar, the last District through which the Mission had passed before
r’achin^ the King. The King on this day conversed with Mr. Rassam
on various topics-the American war ; the Ashantee war ; the barbarity
of the king of Dahomey ; and the government of Madagascar. He
also said to him, “The reason I did not at first give you an answer was
because since the death of Messrs. Plowden and Bell all the English and
Franks who visited my country proved to me insincere, ill-mannered,
ill-behaved, and ill-tempered. I said to myself I must not see this Eng
lish Agent before I find out that he is of a different temperament
from those who created a breach between me and your Queen, my
Friend. Your patience in waiting so long for an answer convinced me
of your worth, and now as you have happily established the renewal of
friendship between my country and England, I wish you to carry to
your Queen my Friend, and to her Council, my anxiety to cultivate the
friendship of England, which I have been longing for ever since I as
cended the throne of Abys§inia. ?, This day’s march brought them to
Fugata, passing through the well-cultivated and peaceful country of
Agan Mudar, and it was most cheering to see how well His Majesty
protected the crops of his faithful subjects, sending parties commanded
by officers to guard the corn fields and villages against the ravages of
the soldiery.
Next day (4th February) the king had much conversation with Mr,
Rassam, and ended by telling him that he proposed to send him next
day to Karata, allowing him to choose whether he would stay at Karata
or at Debra Tabor, till the prisoners arrived. And after he had re
turned to his tent, he sent Mr. Rassam a most,polite note informing him
that be had sent him some guns and pistols and also 5,000 German
crowns to spend in any manner he wished, “ except in a way displeas
ing to God.” These presents Mr. Rassam was obliged to accept as he
was told that it would displease the king if he refused them. Twice
afterwards the king gave Mr. Rassam a present of 5,000 dollars for the
same nurnose. and with the