en in the morning, we passed the Bab,
or straits of Bab-al-Mandub, so named from an island at the entrance, or
mouth, of the Red Sea, and forming one side of the straits. About five
in the evening we came in sight of Mokha; and as night was coming on, we
cast anchor. Shortly after, a canoe came on board, sent by the governor
to enquire who we were, and what were our intentions; and having given
them an answer, they departed, having first begged a few biscuits. Next
morning we weighed, and came again to anchor a league and half from the
shore, when we saluted the town with nine guns. The water-bailey, or
shahbander, brought off, as a present from the governor, a young
bullock, two goats, with mangoes, limes, cucumbers, and water-melons. He
welcomed us in the name of the governor, and desired us to send some
persons on shore to inform the governor of the purpose of our arrival.
About three in the afternoon, there came aboard a Jew born in Lisbon,
together with an old renegado Venetian, who was in great favour with the
governor, and in his name assured us of meeting with good usage to our
content.

The 15th, Ali Asgee, the chief scrivano, sent a present of goats and
fruits, with a message of welcome, by two old men of good condition, who
were sent by the governor to remain aboard in pledge for such of us as
were to go on shore, with many protestations of good usage. Accordingly,
Mr Salbank and I went ashore, accompanied by two linguists and an
attendant, carrying as a present for the governor, six yards of stammel
broad cloth, six yards of green, a fowling-piece and a looking-glass.
Above a thousand people were on the shore expecting our arrival, and
several officers were in waiting to conduct us to the governor. His
house was large and handsome, built of brick and stone, having a fair
gate of entrance with a porter's lodge, and several servants in waiting.
From the gate, we went into a great court, whence a winding stair of
thirty steps led to a square terrace, from which we were conducted into
a large room, at one end of which was a great bow-window looking towards
the sea. The governor sat in this window, and there were others on the
sides of the room, which looked to the wharf or landing-place. The floor
of this room was all covered with fine mats, and towards where the
governor sat, with fine Turkey carpets and Persian felts. Where he sat,
there lay a party-coloured sattin quilt, with several rich cushions of
damask a