Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-09-29
misrrllunruus.
An Ethiopian wedding.
From Bayard Taylors new work-"A Jour n
10 Central Africa.


10 Central Africa
! was sitting at my lent-door at dusk, af-
ter luxurious dinner Of fowls and melons,
when we suddenly heard great sound Of
drums and Arab singing, with repeated
discharges of musketry. The people told
US that a marriage was being celebrated,
and proposed that should go and take a
part in the festivities. therefore partly
resumed my Frank dress, and told Achmet
that he must no longer represent me as a
Turk, since, in the conquered countries Of
Soudan, the ruling race is even more un-
popular than the Franks. "Well, MASTER"
said he; "but must at least make you an
American Bev, because some rank is nec-
essary in these countries" He took Ian =
tern, and we set out in the direction of the
noises.
AS we passed tho mosque, priest in
formed US that the wedding was at the
Governors house, and that the bridegroom
was the son Of former Governors a0ekeel,
or deputy. The drums guided us to spa
cious courtyard, at the door Of which were
guards in festive dresses The court was
lighted by lerge open brazier of charcoal,
fastened on the end Of high pole, and by
various colored lanterns. Long benches
were ranged across the central space, fac
ing the Governors mansion, and upon them
sat many of the inhabitants of the town,
listening TO the music. The Arnaout sol.
diers, in their picturesque dresses, were
squatted around the walls, their yataghans
and long guns cleaning in the moonlight.
The musicians sat on a raised platform, be-
side the steps leading to the door. There
were half dozen drums, some Arab
flutes, aud chorus of strong -lunged sing
ers. who chaunted a wild, barbarc epitha-
lamium, in perfect time and accord. The
people all saluted US respectfully, and invi,-
ed US to enter. The Albanian guards ush-
cred us into lofty room, rooted with palm
logs, which were carefully chosen for their
size and straightness. A broad, cushioned
divan ran around two sides of the apart.
ment Here sat the military Governor, with
his principal officers, while richly dressed
soldiers stood in waiting. An immense
glass lantern gave effect to this striking
picture.
The Governor, who was called Yagheshir
Bey, (although he held the lower rank Of d
Saydk.) was an Albanian and commander
of the Egyptian troops in Berber and Shen-
dy. He received me with great kindness
and made room for me beside him on the
divau. He was tall, stately man, about
so years of age; his face was remarkably
handsome, with mild, benevolent expires
sion, and he had the manners of finished
gentleman. On my left hand was one oi
bis officers, also tall, fur-capped albanian
presented both of the dignitaries with ci-
gars, for which they seemed TO have great
relish. Coffee soon appeared, served by
negro slaves, in rich blue dresses. and then
the Bey's shebook, with mouth piece stud,
ded with diamonds, was filed for me. The
slaves presently returned, with large glass
cups filed with delicious sherbet, which
they offered upon gold-fringedl napkins
Achmet, being seated on the other side o
the Governor. was mistaken by the attend
ants for the American Bey. notwithstand
ing his dark complexion, and served first
could not but admire the courty ease o
his manners, which belonged rather to the
born son of Pasha, than to the poor or
phan boy of Luxor, indebted only to hi'
honesty, quick sense, and the kindness o
an English lady, for better fate than tina
of the common Fellahs of Egypt. Ye
with all the respect he knew so well how
to command, his devotion to me, as a ser
want, was unchanged, and be was unremit
ting in his attentions as if soul and body
had been given him expressly for my use
The Bey, learning that was bound fo
Khartoum, sent soldier for the shekh o
the harbor, whom he commanded, in M
presence, to procure boat for me, and SCI
that it was ready to sail the next day
The only boats in this region are rough
open crafts; but the shekh promised t,
erect tent of palm-mats on the poop t
serve as a cabin. Soon after he left, th,
bridegroom appeared, led by an attendant
as he was totally blind. He was hand
some youth of eighteen, and in his al
there was charming mixture of the bride
groom's dignity and the boys bashfulness
He was simply but very tastefully dressed
in blue embroidered jacket, with sill
shirt, white shawl fringed with gold, ful
white trowsers and red slippers He wa
led to the Governor, kissed his hand, ant
begged him to ask me if he might not b.
allowed to prepare dinner for me. The Of
fcer asked whether l knew of any remed
for his blindness. but as l found that tn
sight had been destroyed by cataract,
told him there was no hope for him neare
than Carlo. The ceremonies were all oyel
and the bride. after the entire consummatio
OF the nuptials, had gone to her father
house to remain four days
II The Bey finding that was not mel