spurred their horses, which are the most fleet and excellent in the
world, and bounded along the desert with the lightness of an antelope;
at the same time they brandished their lances, and seemed prepared alike
for war or peace; but when they saw that we had neither the intention
nor the power to commit hostilities, they stopped their coursers at the
distance of a few paces from us, and he that appeared the chief
advanced, and, with a firm but mild tone of voice, inquired into the
reason of our coming. It was then that I took the liberty of addressing
him in his own language, to which I had for some time applied myself
before my journey. I explained to him my curiosity, which led me to
observe in person the manners of a people who are celebrated over the
whole world for having preserved their native simplicity unaltered, and
their liberty unviolated, amidst the revolutions which agitate all the
neighbouring nations. I then offered him the loading of my camel, which
I had brought, not as being worthy his acceptance, but as a slight
testimony of my regard, and concluded with remarking, that the fidelity
of the Arabians in observing their engagements was unimpeached in a
single instance; and therefore, relying upon the integrity of my own
intentions, I had come a painful journey, unarmed, and almost alone, to
put myself into their power, and demand the sacred rights of
hospitality.

"'While I was thus speaking, he looked at me with penetration that
seemed to read into my very soul; and, when I had finished, he extended
his arm with a smile of benevolence, and welcomed me to their tribe,
telling me, at the same time, that they admitted me as their guest, and
received me with the arms of friendship; that their method of life, like
their manners, was coarse and simple, but that I might consider myself
as safer in their tents, and more removed from violence or treachery,
than in the crowded cities which I had left. The rest of the squadron
then approached, and all saluted me as a friend and brother. We then
struck off across the desert, and, after a few hours' march, approached
the encampment where they had left their wives and children.

"'This people is the most singular, and, in many respects, the most
admirable of all that inhabit this globe of earth. All other nations are
subject to revolutions and the various turns of fortune; sometimes they
wage successful wars; sometimes they improve in the arts of peace; now
they