The
messenger came a second time, and returned without accomplishing his
object. We afterwards wrote a line to the shekh to say, that if he would
favour us with a call in person and take a cup of coffee, he could have
the privilege of an interview with Asaad. Just as the note was sent, the
consul providentially came in, and the shekh found him ready to give him
a seasonable reprimand for presuming to threaten a person under English
protection. The shekh declared, that he had never sent such a message;
that the man who brought it was but an ass, and said it from his own
brain; that having heard of Asaad's arrival, he merely wished to see
whether the reports respecting his insanity were true or false; that
Asaad was his bosom friend, his own son, and that whatever he had was
his; and that as for church, and priests, and patriarch, he cared for
none of them.

Towards evening, the youth already mentioned entered the house, ready to
faint with excessive fear and fatigue. He had fled from the mountains in
all haste, under the absurd apprehension, that he should be suspected
and taken up as an accomplice with Asaad. Having thrown himself upon a
seat, and taken a little breath, he began to relate what had happened.
He was at the convent, when it was first discovered that Asaad had fled.
The patriarch and his train were occupied in the religious services of
the morning, so that no great sensation was at first apparent among
them. One individual spoke boldly in favour of Asaad, saying, "Why
should he not leave you? What inducement had he to remain here? What had
he here to do? What had he to enjoy? Books he had none; friendly society
none; conversation against religion abundant; insults upon his opinions
and his feelings abundant. Why should he not leave you?"

Others, especially the great ones, pitied the poor maniac, (as they
called him,) and sent in quest of him to every direction, lest
peradventure, he might be found starving in some cavern, or floating in
the sea, or dashed in pieces at the bottom of a precipice.

On learning of Asaad all that had passed during his absence, we
requested him to write a statement of the facts somewhat in the form of
a journal. We wished this not only for our own information, but to
produce it to those who shall inquire on the subject of Asaad's lunacy
hereafter.

_Public Statement of Asaad Shidiak._

_Beyroot, March 1826._

Respected Brethren and Friends,--Since many have hear