198 TRAVELS IN AFRICA, 
Prophet's diStnm^ viz. that no infidels are to be fpared but fuch 
as pay the capitation tax. When I obferved they grew tired 
of afking queftions, I feized the opportunity of explaining 
why I came there, and what favour I expeded would be fhewn 
me. 
" Melek," faidi, " having come from a far diftant country to 
Mifr, (Kahira,) I was there made acquainted with the magnificence, 
the extended empire, and, above all, thejuftice and hofpitality 
of the King Abd-el-rachman, whofe dominion be eternal ! 
Having been ufed to wander over various countries as a derwiJJjy 
to learn wifdom from the aged, and to colled: remedies for dif- 
eafes from the herbs that fpring in various foils, I grew defirous 
of feeing Dar-Fur. I was told that my perfon and property 
would be fecure, and that permiffion would be given me to go 
wherever I might think proper. Since my arrival within the 
confines, I have found that all thefe aflurances were fallacious ; 
my inclinations have been thwarted, my perfon treated with in- 
dignity, and my property plundered, while compliance has been 
refufed even to my moft reafonable demands. I afk redrefs. — 
What I have already fuffered from the officers of the Sultan is 
paffed, and cannot now be remedied, but I defire protection for 
the future. I defire the punifhment of the man who has robbed 
me, and reftitution of what has been taken. Nor is this all, I 
particularly defire permiffion to go to Sennaar, in order to pro- 
ceed to Habbefli. I was prevented from going there laft year 
by the fi:raight road. Habbefh is a Chriftian country, abound- 
ing in flaves and gold. There are alfo many herbs valuable in 
medicine. Being there, I may eafily join my countrymen, 
merchants 
