^94 TRAVELS TO DISCOVER
head of the Nile ; that I thought I lhould have time to be there, and return to Gondar, before the Tacazze was ford- able, foon after which I expected he would crofs it, and that nothing but want of health would prevent me from join- ing him in Beleffen, or fooner, if any opportunity fhould offer.
Before I took my lafl refolutions I waited upon the queen. She was exceedingly averfe to the attempt ; fhe bade me remember what the laft trial had cofl me; and beg- . ged me to defer any further thoughts of it till Fafil arrived in Gondar ; that flie would then deliver me into his hands, and procure from him fure guides, together with a fafe con- duct. She bad me beware alfo of troops of Pagan Galla which were paffing and repaffing to and from his army, who, if they fell in with me, would murder me without mercy. She added, that the priefts of Gojam and Damot were mortal enemies to all men of my colour, and, with a word, would raife the peafants againft me. This was all true; but then many reafons, which I had weighed well, con- curred to mew that this opportunity, dangerous as it was, might be the only time in which my enterprife could be practicable ; for I was confident a fpeedy rupture between Fafil and Michael would follow upon the king's return to Gondar. I determined therefore to fet out immediately without farther lofs of time.
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