1874.] E. C. Ross —Annals of ‘ Oman—Book V. 147 
to Suleiman-bin Mudhaffar, and sought his aid against the hostile faction. 
Suleiman sent some of his men under ‘Arrar-bin Fellah to their assistance. 
When the Sultan Malik-bin Abul-‘Arab heard what had occurred in his 
home, he prepared to set out to return thither. The Amir, however, said to 
him: “ Stay with us and fear not, for this affair promises happy results.” 
He asked how that could be with the enemy in his house. The Amir 
replied, “ That is my affair: and, please God, I shall be victorious. God 
(whose name be exalted!) has said, ‘ Difficulty and ease go hand in hand.’ ” 
The poet says— 
“ When events overwhelm, and the spirit is ready to sink beneath 
them ; when misfortunes descend and patience is failing,—still in the end 
comes relief.” 
The Benu-Hinah then invited the Amir ‘Omeyr-bin Himyer to 
advance with his men, promising to give them admission to Bahia. He 
accordingly proceeded a part of the way with his forces, but, deeming them 
too weak in numbers, he returned to Nezwa. Meanwhile the Benu-Hinah 
were in expectation of his arrival on the night fixed for his entry. On his 
failing to join them, the Sheykh Seyf-bin Mohammed went from Darseyt 
to Nezwa to see him, and a stormy discussion ensued between them, the 
Sheykh censuring the conduct of the Amir. The latter ended by desiring 
the Sheykh to take as many of his men as he pleased. The Sheykh 
accordingly took a great number of men and proceeded to Darseyt, whilst 
the Amir awaited the result at Nezwa. Suleiman-bin Mudhaffar was informed 
that the enemy’s force had marched from Nezvva to Darseyt, some saying 
their object was el-Kareyeh, others Seyfam, and others again Bahia. So 
Suleiman divided his army, placing a division at Kareyeh and another at 
Seyfam. He also built a fort to cover Felej el-Juzyein, fearing an attack 
in that quarter, and placed a detachment in it. Of the rest of his forces 
some were stationed at Bahia, and a detachment at el-Khadhra. He also 
posted men in the el-Ghaf quarter. 
Himyer-bin Hafidh with some of his retainers held the principal 
mosque of the town, the rest of his men being placed in el-‘Akr. His 
cousin ‘Arrar-bin Fellah with his followers was at ‘Eini of el-Rostak. 
Seyf-bin Mohammed proceeded with his force from Darseyt with the 
intention of occupying Bahia. They first entered from the western side, 
scaling the outer wall. This design they carried out so skilfully, that their 
entry was not discovered by any one. Seyf then divided his force 
into three parties, one for the right, one for the left, and the third 
in the centre ; the latter being opposite the chief mosque of the town. 
In this manner he occupied positions well chosen for further opera¬ 
tions. Subsequently, in the fighting which took place, many of Suleiman’s 
chiefs and warriors were slain, and he retained only the Fort and el- 
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