DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11638#0253
AND LOWER EGYPT. 23 I
be upon my guard. He knew Poctor, and looked
upon him as a rogue of whom I could not be too
distrustful. I here feel it incumbent on me to say,
that for the most part I have had better reason to
applaud the conduct of the Mamelucs than the na-
tives of Egypt. With a character more rough and
unpolished, these strangers possessed a certain
pride and a blunt harshness which rendered them
indeed formidable to men subject to their despotic
sway, but which, by inspiring them with a kind of
greatness of soul, gave you full dependance on
their protection and promises ; whilst the Copht,
dark and designing, insinuating and deceitful,
distinguished himself by the cringing and submis-
sive deportment of the most abject slave.
The attention which the Kiaschef paid me, was a
bridle on the robbers into whose hands I had fallen.
But an order from Cairo, in removing him from
his command, deprived me of his support, and the
same men, who but a moment before trembled at
his feet, no longer paid him any respect when they
knew he had lost all authority. Poctor, in order to
rob me, had associated with a Turkish merchant,
and it must be acknowledged that they were a
couple of the most accomplished liars and swindlers.
The preparat ions for my journey to Cosscir afforded
them innumerable pretences to ask me for treats and
money. The Copht had already received a telescope,
(i_4 a pair
be upon my guard. He knew Poctor, and looked
upon him as a rogue of whom I could not be too
distrustful. I here feel it incumbent on me to say,
that for the most part I have had better reason to
applaud the conduct of the Mamelucs than the na-
tives of Egypt. With a character more rough and
unpolished, these strangers possessed a certain
pride and a blunt harshness which rendered them
indeed formidable to men subject to their despotic
sway, but which, by inspiring them with a kind of
greatness of soul, gave you full dependance on
their protection and promises ; whilst the Copht,
dark and designing, insinuating and deceitful,
distinguished himself by the cringing and submis-
sive deportment of the most abject slave.
The attention which the Kiaschef paid me, was a
bridle on the robbers into whose hands I had fallen.
But an order from Cairo, in removing him from
his command, deprived me of his support, and the
same men, who but a moment before trembled at
his feet, no longer paid him any respect when they
knew he had lost all authority. Poctor, in order to
rob me, had associated with a Turkish merchant,
and it must be acknowledged that they were a
couple of the most accomplished liars and swindlers.
The preparat ions for my journey to Cosscir afforded
them innumerable pretences to ask me for treats and
money. The Copht had already received a telescope,
(i_4 a pair