house had made the deepest impression upon him, and laid him under the greatest obligations.
The family consisted of five young men in the flower of their youth, and one daughter, whose name was Berhan Magass, the Glory of Grace, exceedingly beautiful, gentle, mild, and affable; of great understanding and prudence beyond her age; the darling, not only of her own family, but of all the neighbourhood.
Bacuffa recovering his health, returned speedily to the palace, which he entered privately at night, and appeared early next morning fitting in judgment, and hearing causes, which, with these princes, is the first public occupation of the day.
A messenger, with guards and attendants, was immediately sent to Kuara, and Berhan Magass hurried from her father's house, she knew not why, but her surprise was carried to the utmost, by being presented and married to the king, no reply, condition, or stipulation being suffered. She gained, however, and preserved his confidence as long as he lived: not that Bacuffa valued himself upon constancy to one wife, more than the rest of his predecessors had done. He had, indeed, many mistresses, but with these he observed a very singular rule; he never took to his bed any one woman whatever, the fair Berhan Magass excepted, without her having been first so far intoxicated with wine or spirits as not to remember any thing that passed in conversation.
