INTRODUCTION. txjri 



a fpirit of independence, it was from policy and reflection, 

 I had often thought that the misfortunes which had befallen 

 other travellers in Abymnia arofe from the bafe eftimation 

 the people in general entertained of their rank, and the va- 

 lue of their perfons. From this idea I refolved to adopt a 

 contrary behaviour. I was going to a court where there 

 was a king of kings, whofe throne was fiirrounded by a num- 

 ber of high-minded, proud, hereditary, punctilious nobili- 

 ty. It was impofiible, therefore, too much lowlinefs unci 

 humility could pleafe there. 



Mr Murray, the ambafFador at Conftantinople, in the fir- 

 man obtained from the grand fignior, had qualified me 

 with the diftinction of Bey-Adze, which means, not an Eng- 

 lifh nobleman (a peer) but a noble Englifhman, and he 

 had added likewife, that I was a fervant of the king of 

 Great Britain. All the letters of recommendation, very 

 many and powerful, from Cairo and Jidda, had conftantly 

 echoed this to every part to which they were addrefTed. 

 They announced that I was not a man, fuch as ordinarily 

 came to them, to live upon their charity, but had ample 

 means of my own, and each profefTed himfelf guarrantee 

 of that faff!, and that they thenifelves on all occaiions were 

 ready to provide for me, by anfwering my demands. 



The only requeft of thefe letters was fafety and protection 

 to my perfon. It was mentioned that I was a phyfician, to 

 introduce a conciliatory cirumftance, that I was above prac- 

 tifing for gain. That all I did was from the fear of God, 

 from charity, and the love of mankind, i was a phyfician 

 i city, a foldier in the field, a courtier .every where, 

 demeaning myfelf, as confeious that 1 was not unworthy 



