1 40 Bedouin Tribes of the EnpJi7'ates. [ch. xxi. 



trol them. The Akid was much more favourably 

 disposed for peace. He is an old man and has seen 

 many wars, and knows how little good and how 

 little glory comes of them, but his business was not 

 to decide such questions for the tribe, only to lead 

 them when they chose to fight. As to the pashas 

 it was impossible to do anything with them without 

 presents, and the tribe wanted commercial advan- 

 tages with the towns, which could only be procured 

 by paying handsomely. 



/. " And yet, if the Anazeh were united, it would 

 not be the sheykhs who would bring gifts to the 

 pashas. Then, Sotamm, instead of sending mares to 

 Hama, would himself receive pensions and robes of 

 honour. It was by the quarrels among themselves 

 that the Anazeh lost their hold over the towns 

 which used to pay them tribute, and now the Turks 

 have it all their own way. They have not even 

 to fight, for the Eoala do that business for them." 



Sotamm. " My people do not understand these 

 things. They find it more profitable to be friends with 

 the Government and do what the Pasha tells them." 



/. "And that is, to make war with their brethren. 

 You will be sorry for it some day, when the Turks 

 drive you all back to Nejd the way you came." 



Sotamm. " I can only do what my people wish. 

 They want the plains of Hama for their camels, 

 which have increased, thank Grod, and multiplied 

 these last four years, so that the Hamad cannot any 

 lonQ;er contain them." 



