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Updated: June 28, 2025
Dahonte and Dalanta not long afterwards, declared themselves for the Gallas, turned out of their provinces the governors Theodore had appointed over them, and seized upon the cattle, mules, and horses belonging to the Magdala garrison, which had been sent there, as was the custom before the rainy season, on account of the scarcity of water on the Amba itself.
The amba is well fortified by nature, and Theodore, to increase its strength, added some rude fortifications. The Magdala plateau is oblong and somewhat irregular, about a mile and a half in length, and on the average about a mile broad.
As he was conversant with the rules of virtue, he consulted with the Brahmanas who had mastered the Vedas, and permitted Amba, the eldest daughter of the ruler of Kasi to do as she liked. But he bestowed with due rites the two other daughters, Ambika and Ambalika on his younger brother Vichitravirya.
Those reservoirs were not covered after the rains, and the water, impregnated with all kinds of vegetable and animal matter, soon became quite unfit to drink. The principal springs are at Islamgee; there are a few on the amba itself, and numerous less important ones issue from the sides, not many feet from the summit, at the base of the ridge itself.
The Bishop accepted with eagerness our proposal to escape from the Amba, and, sanguine as he was hasty, at first gave us great hopes; but when we came to the details of his plot, as far as we were concerned, we found it was perfectly ridiculous. He wanted some nitrate of silver in order to blacken his face, so as to pass unperceived through the gates.
Theodore had made about a thousand prisoners when he had plundered Dalanta, and all of them, under strong escorts, were set to work for him; but when the road was finished half way, he allowed them to return to Dalanta. For a while the communications between the Amba and the camp were again suspended.
That night we had no guards inside our room; they slept outside as before. We, however, did not venture to avail ourselves of the order and walk about the Amba, but remained quietly in our inclosure. On reaching his camp, Theodore assembled his people and said to them: "You hear of white men coming to fight me; it is no rumour, but quite true."
There was no use in remonstrating or in complaining, so we dressed; glad that at all events the end of our captivity had arrived, whatever it might be; we bade good-by to our servants, and under a strong escort left the Amba.
On that, the soldiers fell upon the old priest, tore off his clothes, and would have, killed him on the spot had not Theodore mitigated the punishment. He ordered him to be put in chains, sent to the Amba, and for seven days not to be allowed either bread or water. Another priest, who had also on a former occasion grossly insulted his Majesty, was sent up to the prison at the same time.
Second Rainy Season ends Scarcity and Dearness of Provisions Meshisha and Comfou plot their Escape They succeed Theodore is robbed Damash pursues the Fugitives The Night Attack The Galla War-cry and the "Sauve qui peut" The wounded left on the Field Hospitality of the Gallas Theodore's Letter on the Subject Mastiate's Troubles Wakshum Gabra Medhin Sketch of Gobaze's Career He invites the Co-operation of the Bishop in seizing Magdala The Bishop's Plan All the rival Chiefs intrigue for the Amba Mr.
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