THEODORE'S LAST MOMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 83, 19 August 1868, Page 3

THEODORE'S LAST MOMENTS.

Tho Patric of May 29 prints what purports to bo an Abyssinian version of tbo last momenta of Theodore. Tho report commences by probing the loyal and generous conduct of Kngland ; " for, whilst regretting tho monarch who was our friend, and who now reposes in immortality, wo must render homage to the courage and skill of the conqueror*." On learning tbat the English bad disembarked, Theodore thought that they would march on bis capital by way of tho fertile plains of Dcmbca, tho entrance to which be was prepared to detend. 110 regarded the occupation of Scnafc tw a ruse de guerre to niiilco him abandon the formidable positions lio held, and did not move. 'I'bls is why tlio English accused Theodore of indecision. He refused to listen lo his spies, and when doubt was no longer possible it was too late. His cavalry remained at Amarrlia, and with 22,000 musketeers bo marched on Magdala lie tried to defend tho defltes, but there was no longer lime; the advanced guard appeared. His generals, too, wero discouraged, and, gorged with gold, abandoned their chief in his extremity. The number of Abyssinian* burled amounted to 757, whilst 2139 were wounded, To tho rifle nnd the steel gun the victory must be In a great measure attributed! but— why should wo not say so ?--tho English soldiers (English is underlined) displayed groat bravery and intrepidity during tho assault, nnd wero humane towards the prisoners and wounded. Accustomed to bloody reprisals, the Abysslnliuis expected lo bo massacred. Tlic severe discipline of the English army in preventing excesses and useless cruelty has won for it the admiration of the conquered. Amongst the dead were seven balantchcras, or men who resembled Theodore, and wero purposely dressed like him, aud one goncral-In-chlof. TheAbysslnians thought on tho I fith that thu Knglish would remain In tho country, and thoy desired this. Tho generosity of the conquerors, their brilliant triumph, and their respect for proporty, caused it to be foreseen that under their administration thero would bo liberty, fortune, and protection for commerce, industry, and agriculture Thoy feared anarchy lf tbo country wero ovneuated. Theodore did not commit suicide Having witnessed tho destruction of bis army, and having searched death in vain amid ball and shell, whon ho saw tho head of the enemy's columns crown tho brench ho understood that Ids last hour bad come ; ho saw that resistance was Impossible, and that bo was about to bo made prisonor. This reflection made him roar (i'«//i>). If the English captives had been stili in Ids power, their death would havo been certain. In a fit of fury, or rather madness, ho ordered their extermination, forgetting that thoy were free in the English camp. On seeing bis power Heeling from him with the blood of bis soldiers, contemplating his emptro destroyed, his dynasty overturned, his reign finished, two streams of tears coursed down his checks; the muscles of his face and chest wore contracted with pain, and his limbs withered in mute despair. His bitter Bufferings shonld atono for many of bis crimes. Two balantchcras, pistol in hand, stood silently waiting his order. He gave his will to Knighbddo. Crossing his arms over his breast, ho prayed; thon with a hollow voice he repeated several times. ' Kthloptol Ktbtonial my wife! my children!* The gate, trembling under tho blows of tho assailants, was giving way. Proudly raising his head, Theodore drew his sword to perish liko a European. "In tho bosom of tho tho Trinity, said ho to the balantchorns, " flro.*' Thoy both aimed at his head, but Kmghcddo's courage failed, and bis arm fell Inert. Area alone obeyed, and his bullet broke tho skull of Africa's bravest warrior. The balantchcras remained by the body of their master, oxpecting death. At this moment the gate was broken in, and tho English soldiers, drunk with blood and carnage, rushed forward, Enighoddo showed thorn the lifeless body of Theodore At this sight tho soldiers, stupefied, let fall their arms, and tbo two guards were saved." The

will was copied and distributed to such ofllcors as had remained faithful : — Theodore's Will.— ln the name of the Trinity ,Thcodore, last King of Ethiopia.— To conquer Theodore, God Baid to the nation which holds under its sceptre moro than half tho universe, 'Go and unite yonr armies and fleets } I shall he with you ; we will fight together and wtll crush him,' It has been so. Should England keep tho-em-pire of my Abysinian warriors, war to tho oppressors. If they retire, I desire that my son Mochoeha may succeed mc \ and I, Emperor, sny to him— Be the friend of those to whom God hath given tho victory, for thoy know how to protect their friends 5 bo tho friend of thoso warriors, for tbey are invincible. Tho other .... jackals arc afraid of the English lion. Mechcclia, he as great ns thy father, and fear tho Trinity." This narrative is signed by Count R. da Bisson, n traveller in Abyssinia, and who was always on friendly terms with its late ruler, and not in favour of the English expedition.