BENGAZI. 
297 
wards to the eastward, we concluded by requesting his assistance 
and protection, in furtherance of the remaining objects of the mis- 
sion, and took our leave under the most decided and friendly assur- 
ances of having everything arranged as we could wish. 
As soon as this visit of ceremony was over, we began to employ our 
time, which, on account of the heavy rains, was necessarily passed in 
doors, in putting together the materials which we had collected on our 
route, in making some arrangements for improving the condition of 
our horses, of which they stood much in need, and in preparing pro- 
visions and other necessaries which were required for our journey to 
the eastward. In these pursuits we were materially assisted by the 
vice-consul and his brother, Mr. Giacomo Kossoni, to both of whom our 
thanks are particularly due, as well on these as on many other occa- 
sions. Our time, though we passed it as agreeably as we could, never- 
theless often hung very heavy on our hands ; and we soon found that 
Bengazi was a residence which we should quit with very little regret. 
There is not a single place of public resort or amusement in any part 
of this gloomy abode : its inhabitants idle or sleep away the greater 
part of their time, without appearing to entertain the slightest desire 
of improving their comfortless and miserable condition, or of enliven- 
ing the monotony of their pursuits. Turkish towns are not in general 
remarkable for gaiety, and we did not expect to find theatres or 
assembly-rooms; but there is usually a good deal of amusement to be 
derived from occasional visits to the coffee-shops and bazaars, and not 
unfrequently some useful information. These resources, however, 
were not afforded us at Bengazi; for there is nothing of the kind there 
