238 Bedouin Tribes of the Eiiphi^ates. [ch. xxvn. 



difficult to make. A certain tribe lias prospered 

 and grown rich in flocks and herds, so that it begins 

 to feel itself cramped for want of space. The Pasha 

 of Damascus or Homs has heard of this, and sends a 

 polite message to the Sheykh, inviting his attend- 

 ance at the Serai. There he is received with a robe 

 of honour and amiable attentions, and is dazzled, 

 as all Bedouins are, with the power and wealth of 

 settled life. The Pasha asks after the welfare of his 

 tribe, and condoles with him on the lack of pasture, 

 suggesting that there are rich plains further on, 

 occupied indeed by another tribe, but sufficient for 

 both. The Sheykh is flattered and pleased at the 

 idea of Government protection, which the Pasha 

 speedily promises. He returns with presents in his 

 hand to his tents, and tells his people that he is 

 the friend and protdge of the Valy. They readily 

 accept the idea of the new pastures and send him 

 again to the town, this time with a mare for the 

 Pasha's use, and a few dromedaries for his servants. 

 Terms are soon made between the Turk and the 

 Bedouin ; and, on a certain sum paid, the pastures 

 are declared by the Pasha to belong to the Sheykh. 

 These are invaded, and war is the result. A few 

 men are killed on either side, and a few mares 

 taken. Then the Turk retires and leaves his friend 

 the Sheykh to fight it out alone. 



Such has been the history of half the Bedouin 

 wars of this century, and will be of many more, for 

 history repeats itself in the desert with surprising 



