midnight
The tables were removed . The emperor ascended a dais at one end of the room and seated himself upon a throne , and the entertainment commenced . It was only what ancient history might have led me to expect -- musicians , dancing girls , jugglers , and the like . Near midnight , the master of ceremonies announced that the slave women who had been presented to the emperor since his arrival in New Gondar would be exhibited , that the royal host would select such as he wished , after which he would present the balance of them to his guests . Ah , what royal generosity ! A small door at one side of the room opened , and the poor creatures filed in and were ranged in a long line before the throne . Their backs were toward me .