[Arthur RIMBAUD]. MENELIK II (1844-1913) King of the Kings of Ethiopia (1889-1913). Letter in his name, Entotto 25 September 1889, to Arthur Rimbaud 1 page in-4 in Amharic, large royal seal in ink at the head; with autograph French translation signed by Casimir Mondon-Vidailhet (1847-1910), Paris 6 October 1899 (1 p. in-4). Rare reply from Menelik to a letter from Rimbaud sent from Harar. At the head of the letter, the large ink seal depicts a crowned lion bearing the cross, with the motto: "He has conquered, the lion of the tribe of Judah. Menelik II Chosen of the Lord, King of the Kings of Ethiopia". Menelik greeted Rimbaud and acknowledged receipt of his letter sent from Harar on the 2nd month, 6th day of the year 1889...". Dedjaz Makonen is going to return in all haste. He is in charge of all Harar affairs. You'd better get along with him. [...] If you have lent money in my name to the Harar officials, all you have to do is show your papers to the dedjazmatch, who will pay you. As for the price of Mr Savouré's goods, we'll discuss that with Mr Ilg"... [Rimbaud had formed a partnership with Armand Savouré (1855-1940) to run a trading post in Harar. Alfred Ilg (1854-1916) was Menelik II's adviser and foreign minister]. Former Simone de Carfort collection. Arthur Rimbaud exhibition (Bibliothèque Nationale, 1954, no. 572). Arthur Rimbaud, Correspondance (ed. Lefrère), p. 761.