ters, when an English fleet was cruising
309 off Salee, and just after some impost had been levied on the
merchandise already purchased and warehoused by the Christian
merchants, suggested the impolicy at that moment, of harsh measures
against Europeans: the Emperor, in a jocose manner, asked what harm
he could suffer from the fleets of Europeans? "They could destroy
your Imperial Majesty's ports," replied the minister. "Then I would
build them again for one-half what it would cost them to destroy
them. But if they dared to do that, I could retaliate, by sending
out my cruisers to take their trading ships, which would so
increase the premiums of insurance (for the (_kaffers_) infidels
insure all things on earth, trusting nothing to God[194]), that
they would be glad to sue for peace again."

[Footnote 194: The Muhamedans abuse the Christians for their
mistrust of Providence, exemplified in their insuring ships,
merchandise, &c.]

_Political Deception_.

When an embassy is going to the Emperor, the alkaid of the escort
endeavours to make the present, which necessarily accompanies every
embassy, as bulky and conspicuous as possible, that the Arabs of
the kabyls through which they pass, may be dazzled and astounded
with the great appearance of the presents, which the alkaid
proclaims to consist chiefly of money, or treasure. The Arabs
accordingly observed, on Mr. Matra's (the British consul) presents,
that the English, who had conquered Bonaparte in Egypt, and were
masters of the ocean and seas, yet were tributary to the Sultan.
This idea is industriously propagated by the officers of the
Emperor's court. "Thinkest thou," they ohserved, "that these
Christians give such large presents with a free-will? Certainly
not! They are compelled to do so. The (_Romee_) Europeans are too
fond of money to give it away in such loads,--even the English,
thou seest, are tributary to the Seed." [195]

[Footnote 195: A higher title among the _true Arabs_ than
Emperor: it implies conjointly, Emperor, Father of the People,
Protector, and Brother.]

_Etiquette of the Court of Marocco_.

The European commerce of Mogodor went to pay their respects to the
Emperor Seedi Muhamed, on his arrival, from Fas, at Marocco, as is
customary. T