ARRIVAL AT TIMBUCTOO. 
49 
At length, we arrived safely at Timbuctoo, just as the 
sun was touching the horizon. 1 now saw this capital of 
the Soudan, to reach which had so long been the object of 
my wishes. On entering this mysterious city, which is an 
object of curiosity and research to the civilised nations of 
Europe, I experienced an indescribable satisfaction. I never 
before felt a similar emotion and my transport was extreme. I 
was obliged, however to restrain my feelings, and to God 
alone did I confide my joy. With what gratitude did 1 
return thanks to Heaven, for the happy result which attend- 
ed my enterprise ! How many grateful thanksgivings did 
I pour forth for the protection which God had vouchsafed to 
me, amidst obstacles and dangers which appeared insur- 
mountable. This duty being ended, I looked around and 
found that the sight before me, did not answer my ex- 
pectations. I had formed a totally different idea of the gran- 
deur and wealth of Timbuctoo. The city presented, at first 
view, nothing but a mass of ill-looking houses, built of 
earth. Nothing was to be seen in all directions but im- 
mense plains of quicksand of a yellowish white colour. 
The sky was a pale red as far as the horizon : all nature 
wore a dreary aspect, and the most profound silence pre- 
vailed 3 not even the warbling of a bird was to be heard. 
Still, though I cannot account for the impression, there was 
something imposing in the aspect of a great city, raised in 
the midst of sands, and the difficulties surmounted by its 
founders cannot fail to excite admiration. I am inclined to 
think, that formerly the river flowed close to Timbuctoo ; 
though at present it is eight miles to the north of that city, 
and five miles from Cabra, in the same direction. 
I took up my abode with Sidi-Abdallahi, who re- 
ceived me in the most friendly manner. He had already 
been indirectly acquainted with the alleged circumstances, 
which, as I pretended, had occasioned my journey across the 
Soudan. He invited me to sup with him; and an excellent 
VOL. ir, B 
