About eleven
o'clock
The scenery around was magnificent , the ground sloping up gradually from the western bank of the Diab , where the Tigrean army was to be posted . The sun shone out brilliantly . The heat was excessive . About eleven o'clock the vanguard of Kassai 's army was seen approaching , and a body of men hurriedly coming forward , pitched a red tent on the slope opposite to that of the strangers ' camp . Just before midday the whole of the Tigrean army , with drums beating and standards flying , consisting of about 4000 men , advanced down the slope towards the river , two yellow and red flags fluttering high above their heads showing the position of the chief and his principal officers . Sir Robert had directed a tent to be raised close to the bank of the river , where the meeting was to take place . As soon as the Abyssinians were seen advancing , the English forces got under arms .