Polynesian., 1853-02-26


, well watered. Here may be found dates,
: figs, pomegranates, and lemons, in great
: abundance. Herethe tiredtraveler Journey
ing for pleasure or information, and the par
simonious merchant from distant climes, find
delightful resting-place, and meet the nj
) cest attentions. The inhabitants are indo-
I lent, but gay; and they obtain nearly all
their wealth by affording accommodations to
strangers. Very many of their women have
beautiful features, and cherish an extraordi-
nary fondness for dancing. Of all pastimes
in this beautiful region, this has given birth
to events the most disastrous in their final
termination. And any traveller, having be-
come familiar with these calamities, would at
once and forever set his face against per-
sonal participation in this amusement. If
the people here were more industrious; and
were it not for the fierce hurricanes which
sometimes blow from the north, Fezzan
would be terr .strial paradise. But so it
is; the most lovely spots on earth are cursed
either by vice, superstition, earthquake; or,
what is yet worse, Incidence.
We were surprised to find that the time
consumed refreshing ourselves in this place,
! amounted to sixteen days. We turned our
backs on Fezzan, and our camels towards
the desert cOast-but it was with feeling of
regret; for knew should see its towns and
cities no more. Personal comfort said Lin-
ger aWhiie longer! But the voice of genius
and adventure said, Go FORWARD! God will
defend you. We obeyed the voice of the
latter, and went forward; and by sunset, We
were encamped once more on the sands.
There is something awfully sublime in
mn n .nhf hp Sun pfS
as if clothed in massive rainbow on the
upper half of his circle; the uppermost layer
of color, being bright green, mingling with
the azure of the infinite heavens. 1t surpas-
ses the pencil, it beggars language to at
tempt description; it outstrips the glory of
the brightest ocean sunset. l shall never
forget that sunset on the sands, at the first
encampment from Fezzen! And then the
sun sinks down in his golden chariot. Twi-
light creeps over the vast ocean of atoms.-t
AT last peer forth the glorious stars. Divine |
luminaries! Are We the eyelet holes of hea-
ven? the silent vigils over the desert and its |
numerous sons! Your very silence proclaims |
the great central truth of all creeds-I
" THERE is ONE GoD!'' "GOD is LovEn-l
And what a night! There is not sound to !
be heard-not even the night winds signing |
through the foliage; for here there is no TO
liage 1t is silence like that of an entombed |
world Over head, and all around; even
your own thoughts-everything seems to be
pervaded by sense of the INFINITE! A
dreamy influence steals over you. You are !
far away from the voice of SANDER, the strife !
of tongues, political factions, jealous party
spirits, and the ever-sickening display OF the
fastidiousness of great deal of modern eti-
quette ~ You retire to your slumbers, feel
ing holy calm in the conscious smile of the
BEING who is indeed INFINITE.
Day followed day. Without any particu-
lar mishap, we had almost reached the des-
ert coast One morning, having been on
our way about two hours, we discovered
small caravan a long way ahead. Anxious
for company, we overlook them just before
midday They were merchants returning
from Cairo with their goods. But such OBJ
jects of compassion, have never seen, be-
fore nor since. Their supply of water had
been exhausted forty-eight hours before.-
They had no food. The suns rays were
dreadfully scorching; the thermometer, be-
ing nearly as high as fever heat. Poor fell
lows! their eyes seemed starting from their
sockets, their necks were fearfully swollen;
their tongues were protruding from their
mouths; while their lips were cracked and
bleeding The camels were now faltering.
Just over head were lowering several of the
desert vultures-as if waiting for the camels
to make their last step, SO they might prey
on their expiring vitals. The chief of the
merchants heard the wild scream of the
winged foes. He turned to glance for mo-
ment-and, behold! the Sirocco!-the dread
full enemy on the desert-was in our rear
but few miles distant. Until now, he had
not uttered single sentence. He saw, ne
felt has peril. A look of awful terror dwelt
on his countenance. And in a voice OF thun-
der, rendered more fearful because it was
the last echo of despair, he exclaimed to his
on the cararan!--press on
PRESS ON! The camels caught the spirit of
fear They tried to speed on, but In vain;
for they sunk on the sands, and so did their
riders. We had only time to dismount.-
The Sirocco was upon us. 1t was heavy
sweep of the hot whirlwind, la ting several
and then passing for~ ID on itsmis-
sion of vengeance. Myself and party arose
from our crouching position. There lay the
merchants, perhaps dead. My Arabs IN
stantly procured water from our own bag I
gage, and carefully gave some of 1t to the
fainting men, and their camels. lhave many I
a time heard expressions of thanks. Those
merchants could not speak their thanks, but
hey smiled Them And that smile was more
than the strongest language could ,
express. 1t was more gratifying to perform
his act of duty and witness its results, than I
o receive legacy. 1t still fingers in my {
memory, and there may it ever live. We
these merchants to Alkabir on
he northern limit of Senegambia, where we
again refreshed our wearied frames. After i,
l stay of two weeks we bade them farewell
our way back along the confines S
&C .ha Ra rharu States we found ourselves G