88 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. 
CHAP. II. 
entirely failed him, and was unable even to keep pace with the 
camels : he did not come up with us until a little after midnight. 
As we were only at the distance of three hours from Morzouk, 
many of the people were occupied during the night in preparations 
for their entiy into the capital. 
May 4th. — ^\t 7 A. M. having shaved, washed, and adorned 
ourselves in the finest clothes whicli we had at hand, we started. 
Mukni, however, unwilling that his new Mamlukes should be less 
fine than his own people, sent for two splendid bornouses, which he 
lent to Mr. Kitchie and myself for this grand occasion, making us 
ride on the right and left of him. Travelling over a desert plain, 
until 9. 30. A. M. west by south, we entered the palm groves and 
gardens of Morzouk ; we then saw a large body of horse and foot 
advancing, with three silk flags. AVlien the horsemen came within 
five hundred yards of us, they set off at full speed, and on join- 
ing our party, threw themselves from their horses, and ran to kiss 
the Sultan's hand. His eldest son, Sidi Aleiwa, l^^^, headed 
them ; and after he had performed the same salutation, they all 
remounted and joined in the procession. On approaching the town 
we were joined by the dancers, drummers, and pipers. Two men 
stationed themselves on each side of the Sultan, bearing fans of 
ostrich feathers, with which they beat off the flies which incom- 
moded him. We entered the town at 10. 30. A. M. preceded by 
the led horses, and six silk flags. The horsemen having formed 
in two lines, in which I joined them, skii-mished until we came 
to the gate. 
