Page 433 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

.394 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

ing that, since the present Prince had shewn
himself unworthy of their confidence, he
would render allegiance to any person whom

they might deem most fitting to succeed him.
Before the plot was ripe for execution, Seif

became in some manner acquainted with it.
In the first transports of his rage he slew

all those within his reach, and imprisoned
others; but a remnant escaped, and pro­

claimed Sooltan ibn Murshid to be Im&m.
The greater part of Oman immediately sub­

mitted to this chief, and district after district
continuing to fall to him, Seif at length

found himself shut up in Maskat, his only
remaining possession. His soldiers, still at­
tached to him, from the greater license given

them in the decline of his affairs to rob
and plunder the inhabitants, garrisoned the

two citadels which command the town, and
Sooltan ibn Murshid was unable to approach

it. He, however, took possession of the
neighbouring town of Matarah, which has

also a capacious port, and by reducing the
duties, drew so many vessels there, that

Seif, to prevent the utter ruin of Maskat,
found himself compelled to solicit assistance