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domestic feuds are suspended on the approach of a common enemy; and in their hostilities against the Turks, the caravan of Mecca was attacked and pillaged by fourscore thousand of the confederates. When they advance to battle, the hope of victory is in the front, and on the rear the assurance of a retreat. Their horse and camels (who in eight or ten days can perform a march of four or five hundred miles) disappear before the conqueror: the secret waters of the desert elude his search; and his victorious troops are consumed with thirst, hunger and fatigue, in the pursuit of an invisible foe, who scorns his efforts, and safely reposes in the heart of the burning solitude.
“The slaves of domestic tyranny may vainly exult in their national independence: but the Arab is personally free; and he enjoys in some degree, the benefits of society, without forfeiting the prerogatives of nature. In every tribe, superstition or gratitude, or fortune, has exalted a particular family above the heads of their equals. The dignities of Shaik and Emir invariably descend in their chosen race; but the order of succession is loose and precarious; and the most worthy or aged of the noble kinsmen are preferred to the simple though important office of composing disputes by their advice, and guiding velour by their example. The momentary junction of several tribes produces an army: their more lasting union constitutes a nation; and the Supreme Chief, the Emir or Emirs, whose banner is |
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