sed in epistolary correspondence with
Christians (for it is never used by Muhamedans between
themselves), it bears the appearance of a salutation, but the
allusion is to Muhamedans, who _these people think_ are the
only men who follow the true path or right way; it is, however,
a compliment to all who _think themselves_ in the right way.]

As to a cessation of arms by sea, it was not negociated by us,
neither did we discourse about it; but, when you desired it of us,
386 we wrote to your Master in England, saying, If you desire a
cessation of arms by sea, and are willing to receive a firm peace
from us, send us two understanding men, of the chief of the Divan
of England, by whom the peace of all the Christians here may be
confirmed; and, when they shall arrive at the lofty place of our
residence, and sit before us, whatsoever they shall hear from us,
by way of agreement, shall be acceded to! And we have given you
security, at sea, for four months, viz. from the time we sent you
our letter to Tangier, till the day that there shall come an answer
from your Master, and until the arrival of the two ambassadors
aforementioned, after the aforesaid manner. As for those men who in
thy letter thou didst say were taken at sea: I neither know nor
have heard any thing of them. Your discourse about that matter
having been with Aly ben Abdallah, and he administered justice (to
you) upon the Muselmen who had taken these men prisoners for the
sake of him, for whom you made your complaint to us; and he
returned the Christians to you, and imprisoned the sailors for
capturing them. Now, if there shall happen to be a peace between me
and you at sea, as there is for four years by land, through your
mediation, and by reason of your coming to us, I will hang them,
and blot out their footsteps, and be revenged on them with the most
severe revenge.

Our servant Muhamed ben Hadu Aater, who came from your presence,
told us that lions are scarce in your country, and that they are in
387 high estimation, with you. When your servant came to us, he found
we had two small young lions, wherefore by him we send them to you.
And know, that we have received by our servants from your Master,
_three_ coach-horses, now a coach requires _four_ horses to draw
it, wherefo