ed (k). The refpectable fire, thus bafely betrayed, was eighty-fix years of age, and adored by the people, whom all his life he had defended against the tyranny of Pachas. Thus the Divan treats the Grandees of the Empire. But a government obliged to employ fuch means, to recal princes and governors to their duty, betrays its impotence; and, having no arms to defend its provinces, except perfidy, is on the brink of ruin. When corrupted by effeminacy, flattery, and a spirit of bigotry, the Greek Emperors deftroyed all thofe at whom they took umbrage with fire and fword, it was not long before they were dethroned, and Conftantinople became the habitation of a more generous people. The Ottomans ufe fimilar means, at prefent, and may expect a fimilar fate. I believe fuch (k) Such was the manner in which Sheik Daher was affaffinated, according to what I heard in Egypt, two years after his death; but the following note, which was communicated to me by the commander of La Bourdonnaie Monluc, may perhaps rectify this mistake. "The "Captain-Pacha, lying before the walls of St. John d'Acre "with the Turkish fleet, cannonaded the town fome days, "from which Sheik Daher fled among the mountains. "The commander of his cavalry betrayed him, cut off "his head, and brought it to the Ottoman Admiral.” VOL. II. N reflections reflexions to be juft; because, attentively confulting the annals of hiftory, we always behold kingdoms decline with the virtue and morals of their inhabitants. I have the honor to be, &c. LETTER LETTER XI. SEQUEL OF THE LIFE OF ALI BEY. The Hiftory of Ifmael Bey, become Sheik El Balad. Mourad and Ibrahim, Beys in upper Egypt, connect themselves with the Arabs; and, Ifmael fending troops against them, retire to the defert, fortify themselves, feize the principal towns of the Said, proceed to Gifa, and make a treaty of alliance with Ifmael. In danger of being massacred in Grand Cairo, they fly to Girga, call in the Arabs, and defeat the foldiers Ifmael fends to give them battle. He comes himself: they bribe his army, and the Sheik El Balad efcapes to Syria, with his treasure. Returned to Cairo, they appoint their own creatures Beys, and lord it over Egypt. Battle with HaJan Bey, in the fireets of Grand Cairo, and its confequences. Mourad conducts the caravan of Mecca, and beheads the Arabs who demand the ufual tribute. Attacked and wounded, be obliges the enemy to retreat. His quarrels with Ibrahim. To M. L. M. Grand Cairo. I HOPE, Sir, a narrative of the events wnich followed the death of Ali Bey, most of which I myself have feen, will afford you amusement. After the deceafe of this valiant chief, and that of Abou Dahab, Ifinael tranquilly reaped the fruit of his treafon, was elected Sheik El Balad, and reigned fovereign of Egypt. Diftributing provinces to his creatures, he beheld none but dependants; and, to fecure dominion, obtained the fupport of the Pacha, an adroit and enterprifing man. Having gained him, and the officers of the janiffaries, he dispatched his orders throughout Egypt, and his will was law. Educated by Ali, he knew the trade of war, poffeffed courage, and a great knowledge of business. But these qualities were tarnished by avarice. Gold was gathered from all parts, and, inftead of exerting hindelf for the people's good and the fate's glory, he thought but of increafing his treafures. While he fuppofed he had nothing to fear, Mourad and Ibrahim were ardently ardently defirous of revenging the death of their patron. The firft was courageous, frank, paffionate, and inconfiderate. The fecond, having more coolness and fineffe, was more able in forming of factions. After vowing friendship, they left Syria, with a fmall number of Mamluks who followed their fortunes, croffed the deferts, and entered the Said, where, before they could obtain partizans, Ifmael fent an army against them. Mourad, with a handful of foldiers, wished to give battle; but the more prudent Ibrahim prevented him, and they retired to folitudes whither the enemy durft not follow. Here they attached an independent Arab prince to their interefts, by promising to enlarge his eftates if, through his affistance, they should re-enter the capital. The Emir, happy to grant protection to exiled Beys against Ifmael, who wanted to levy contributions on his territories, fwore to aid them with all his power, and, immediately, ordered his Arabs to take arms: fix thousand horfe joined his ftandard, with which small army they coafted the river fide, feizing the principal towns on its banks, and approached Grand Cairo. After vanquishing various detachments N 3 |