e hearts of
our people, and to utter our prayers that the merciful God may bless
your Imperial Majesty with length of days, with wisdom, honour, and
riches, and so direct all your actions, that your name may be
inscribed in golden characters for ever, and the memory of your deeds
smell as sweet as a garden of roses.

"'In ancient times the Lord God brought our people out of Egypt, and
for ages they dwelt in Palestine; to them were committed the oracles
of God, and though now dispersed among the nations of the earth, they
are numbered with the most peaceful and loyal subjects, and by their
industry they have augmented the riches and prosperity of the
countries in which they live.

"'They look with love and veneration upon that land where their
forefathers dwelt; they pray that all who live therein may enjoy the
shadow of your sublime protection, and in peace be permitted to
worship the God of their fathers.

"'Their prayers ascend to Him whose wisdom is absolute, whose decrees
are fixed and immutable, whom none can withstand, imploring that he
will make your enemies eat the dust, that they may vanish as the
morning dew, and flee away as chaff before the wind; that your throne
may endure for ever, and that all who live under your sceptre may have
peace, sitting under their own vine and their own fig-tree, none
daring or wishing to make them afraid.'

"The Sultan listened with great attention, and as soon as I had
finished, Mr Pisani repeated it in Turkish. The Sultan smiled whilst
he was reading, and showed that he well understood the address and was
pleased with it. As soon as Mr Pisani had concluded, the Sultan fixed
his eyes on me, and spoke in a mild and pleasing voice. 'I am
perfectly satisfied,' he said, 'with the communication made and the
sentiments expressed by the deputation.

"'I have been affected by the events which have taken place in
Damascus, but I have endeavoured to offer some satisfaction to the
Israelitish nation, by giving orders that justice should be done in
the affair of Rhodes.

"'The Israelitish nation shall always have, from me, the same
protection and enjoy the same advantages as all other subjects of my
Empire.

"'I will grant the deputation the firman they have asked.

"'I know, gentlemen, how to appreciate the pure philanthropy which has
led you to this capital.'

"Having given his reply, the Sultan requested me to come nearer.
Rechid Pasha again presented me by name. The Sultan