Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, Volume 4 (of 5): In the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773Bruce, James
History
Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, Volume 4 (of 5): In the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773
Bruce, James
Egypt -- Description and travel; Ethiopia -- Description and travel; Ethiopia -- History; Natural history -- Ethiopia; Nile River
battle of Fagitta, though you had no intention to retreat, yet you
went half a day backward, to higher ground, and purer air, to avoid
the stench of the field, but here in the city you heap up carrion
about your houses, where is your continual residence."
"The Ras has given orders, says he gravely, to remove all the dead
bodies before the Epiphany, when we go down to keep that festival, and
wash away all this pollution in the clear-running water of the Kahha:
but tell me now, Yagoube, is it really possible that you can take such
things as these so much to heart? You are a brave man; we all know you
are, and have seen it: we have all blamed you, stranger as you are in
this country, for the little care you take of yourself; and yet about
these things you are as much affected as the most cowardly woman,
girl, or child could be."--"Sir, said I, I do not know if I am brave
or not; but if to see men tortured or murdered, or to live among dead
bodies without concern, be courage, I have it not, nor desire to have
it: war is the profession of noble minds; it is a glorious one; it is
the science and occupation of kings; and many wise and many humane men
have dedicated their whole life to the study of it in every country;
it softens men's manners, by obliging them to society, to assist,
befriend, and even save one another, though at their own risk and
danger. A barbarian of that profession should be pointed at. Observe
Ayto Engedan, (who came at that very instant into the room) there is
a young man, said I, who, with the bravery, has also the humanity and
gentleness of my countrymen that are soldiers."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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