Page 299 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

260 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [cH.

preserve the same simplicity as the Bedowin
Sheikhs ; a fact the more extraordinary, since

they are not in the same manner shut up in
a desert, but in constant communication with

Indians, Persians, &c., and having more
wealth and power, would experience no diffi­
culty in supplying themselves with foreign

luxuries. It follows then, that this self-denial,
whilst retaining the national manners, must

be considered as purely voluntary.
While cruising on this coast in 1827, I was

proceeding with dispatches to the Sheikh of
Sharja, Sultan I bn Suggar, when a strong

breeze unexpectedly set in, and raised so
heavy a swell on the bar, that our boat, in
attempting to cross it, was capsized. This

occurred some distance from the land, but,
all being good swimmers, we reached it with­

out much difficulty, and with no other incon­
venience than a thorough drenching. After

landing, the gale increased, and for three
days we could not attempt to put off to the

vessel. I had then some opportunity of stu­
dying the private character of the people, as
well as that of their rulers. Sultan was un­

remitting in his attention to me, a meal being