The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1825-06-02


little better Oft, but we were quite exhaust
ed with fatigue, and imagination fed in vain
to our luxurious little chambers i'll the con-
vent, with their soft cushions, and lamps al
ready lighted and the harmless monks
gathering around. The cold wind awoke
me in the night; the Arabs were fast asleep
around the glowing cmbers of the fire, and
stepping cautiously over them, got beside
it, and never in my life enjoyed it's warmth
more. That night scene was fine subject
fora painter: the precipices that rose close
at hand, Oh which the moonlight rested; the
sleeping figures OF the Arabs round the hre
beneath and the ruined walls beside; the
wild and solemn character OF the scenery,
fitted beyond all others TO be a theatre tor
miracles, would have made an assemblage
of objects but seldom behcld together.
The next morning before sunrise, they
were ready to depart for their camp, two
or three days journey distant. We made
known to Hassan our uncertainty and ap-
prehension of what would be their bchav-
iour to us, when the chief lifted his right
hand to Heaven, and swore by Allah, we
should suffer no injury while in his power;
an oath which is seldom violated by them.-
Being all mounted on camels, we set off; to-
wards evening we proceeded at Il brisk trot
and entered the wilderness of Paran. The
sun was setting, and we passed at no great
distance, Mount Paran; its form was most
singular, yet indescribably grand it had three
sharp and pointed submits, and its side to-
wards the wilderness was formed of per-
pendicular precirces OF rocks; between its
three SUBMITS which rose like towers, were
cast the declining beams of the sun. II
brought to mind the fine passage III the
Prophet, "Fhc glory Of God shined from
Mount Paran," &c.
The walk Of the camel is not disagrecablc,
but the trot at which we had lately atlyanc-
ed, was no small Inconvenience. Mr. w.
who was rather unacLustomed to riding, dis
liked it much; he lamented our misfortune
the most Of any of the party; and he had a
reason since his career OF doing good to the
people around Sinai and Tor was put a stop
to, hisjournals and papers left in the convent
and it was uncertain how long this captivity
was to last. He WAS an excellent Young
man. and full Of zeal in the prosecution Of
his object, but very unfit to meet with re-
verses of this kind, or to struggle with evils
out Of the path OF his mission. lie was cur
only interpreter with the Bcdouins, rs he
had some knowledge OF the Arabic language.
'Fhe chief had given us reason to expect we
should this night sleep under cover aud en-
stood greatly in need Of; but after travelling
two or three hours after dark, and locking
in vain for the light Of some dwelling, we
halted in the midst OF the wilderness, where
the sand was again to be our bed. Our sup
per consisted Of some cake Of coarse flour
and water; kncaded fiat, and baked in the
embers, and some coffee, without milk or
sugar. however VIC partook OF 1t sociably
with our captors and then lay down to rest
near some high bushes, through which the
cold wind whistlcd shrill during the night
We set out long before sunrise next morn
ing. The valley of Paran now became very
narrow the barriers of lofty rocks I'm each side
approach each other CLOSELY; among them
We're often seen veins of various and beau
titul marble The hosts Of Israel are sup
posed to have marched from the Red Sea to
Sinai by this route. After advancing about
three hours we halted at Il beautiful grove OF
pam-trees III the valley, in which was
spring OF oicXcelcnt water: Some Arabs rcsid-
cd here, and We locked with anxiety tor
rur breakta fast. OF all modes Of life upon
earth that of the Arabs possesses the few
Est indul,enccs, they placed on 4 rocl, u
large piece Of cold cake left the night be-
fore for our breakfast, and which being un
lcaycned, was as heavy as lead; and the
lonely grove OF palms, and the sublime
scenery of the wilderness, were insufficient
at that moment 70 appease our Ne2tatlon; tor
the pleasures Of the imagination, or the pic
turcsqne, would all have been instantly bar
tered for a good comfortable breakfast. We
then proceeded without haltiug, till about
four o'clock when we came to Il small en-
campmcnt Of Arabs, who were the friends
OF liassan's tribe. 1t is interesting to see
the meeting OF these friendly tribes in the
I desert; from their wandering habit OF life,
and their distant journeys, they seldom meet
but when they do. the pressing of the hand
to the heart, the kiss on the check the pas
sionate cxclamations and gestures OF JOY
prove the sincerity and fervour Of their feel
4 ings. These Arabs insisted on our staying
all night with them: we were very happy
to hear this as it was yet some hours before
! sunset, and the journey of the day had been
long enough. The camp consisted of ten
tents ranged III q line; i'll one OF those We
were all accommodated Our entertainers
| killed goat for supper by way ola feast; j;
, WAS boiled AS all their meet IS and served up
) cut into large pieces, on dishes OF wood; We
t had to help ourselves with our fingers; there
, were also thin cakes of bread, in dish o
2 melted butter to dip them in. This mount
ain goat was eaten with great relish, and cot
fee vas afterwards served round with pipes
Z The Arabs appeared to enjoy themselves
very much, and passed a long time in CON
z vcrsation; but as night drew on they al