378 
RUINS OF BABYLON. 
others, when they could find words, expostulated against such 
breach of faith; but the only answers given were torrents of 
abusive language ; while not merely their arms were taken from 
them, but their splendid military dresses, and rich ornaments ; 
to be replaced by miserable garments, almost in rags ; and their 
glittering collars for iron chains, with which their lofty necks and 
powerful hands were bound. 
All this the kiahya viewed with the coolest apathy; excusing 
himself to the just reproaches of the chiefs, by replying, that his 
paramount duty was to act by the order of the pasha, who had 
commanded that “ whenever the Arab leaders could be taken, 
they were to be conveyed prisoners to his capital.” All further 
remonstrances were vain ; and, accordingly, they were marched 
rapidly across the camp to an obscure bye-way, through which 
they entered the great Bagdad road, uttering the most violent 
imprecations against their enemies, but more particularly calling 
down curses on the unhappy sheik, who had been the innocent 
cause of their present desperate situation. All this was very 
shocking to a European ear ; but the recital was not yet finished. 
The rapacious escort who guarded these brave and defenceless 
men, even robbed them of the few miserable rags with which 
the professing generosity of their betrayer had clothed them ; 
and thus they were led, almost naked, into the gates of Bagdad; 
where they were cast into prison, to suffer all the privations and 
insults of common malefactors awaiting the final sentence of 
their fate. I have since heard that this coup de main of treachery 
has been distinguished with particular approbation by the higher 
powers in the pashalick. So much for Turkish faith ! 
The indignation excited in the tribes at large, when this vile 
captivity of their chiefs became known, was vehement and 
