130 TRAVELS IN THE 
tered the hut, and with their usual rudeness pulled the cloak from 
me. I made signs to them that I was sick, and wished much to 
sleep ; but I solicited in vain : my distress was matter of sport to 
them, and they endeavoured to heighten it, by every means in 
their power. This studied and degrading insolence, to which I 
was constantly exposed, was one of the bitterest ingredients in 
the cup of captivity ; and often made life itself a burthen to me. 
In those distressing moments I have frequently envied the 
situation of the slave ; who, amidst all his calamities, could still 
possess the enjoyment of his own thoughts ; a happiness to which 
I had, for some time, been a stranger. Wearied out with such 
continual insults, and perhaps a little peevish from the fever, I 
trembled lest my passion might unawares overleap the bounds 
of prudence, and spur me to some sudden act of resentment, 
when death must be the inevitable consequence. In this per- 
plexity, I left my hut, and walked to some shady trees at a 
little distance from the camp, where I lay down. But even here, 
persecution followed me ; and solitude was thought too great an 
indulgence for a distressed Christian. Ali's son, with a number 
of horsemen, came galloping to the place, and ordered me to 
rise and follow them. I begged they would allow me to remain 
where I was, if it was only for a few hours ; but they paid little 
attention to what I said ; and after a few threatening words, one 
of them pulled out a pistol from a leather bag, that was fastened 
to the pummel of his saddle, and presenting it towards me, snap- 
ped it twice. He did this with so much indifference, that I really 
doubted whether the pistol was loaded ; he cocked it a third 
time, and was striking the flint with a piece of steel, when I beg- 
