Bedouin Tribes of the Euphrates Vol 2 - The Search For Mecca

1 40 Bedouin Tribes of the EnpJi7'ates. [ch. xxi.
trol them. The Akid was much more favourably
disposed for peace. He is an old man and has seen
many wars, and knows how little good and how
little glory comes of them, but his business was not
to decide such questions for the tribe, only to lead
them when they chose to fight. As to the pashas
it was impossible to do anything with them without
presents, and the tribe wanted commercial advantages
with the towns, which could only be procured
by paying handsomely.
/. " And yet, if the Anazeh were united, it would
not be the sheykhs who would bring gifts to the
pashas.
Then, Sotamm, instead of sending mares to
Hama, would himself receive pensions and robes of
honour. It was by the quarrels among themselves
that the Anazeh lost their hold over the towns
which used to pay them tribute, and now the Turks
have it all their own way. They have not even
to fight, for the Eoala do that business for them."
Sotamm. " My people do not understand these
things. They find it more profitable to be friends with
the Government and do what the Pasha tells them."
/. "And that is, to make war with their brethren.
You will
be sorry for it some day, when the Turks
drive you all back to Nejd the way you came."
Sotamm. " I can only do what my people wish.
They want the plains of Hama for their camels,
which have increased, thank Grod, and multiplied
these last four years, so that the Hamad cannot any
lonQ;er contain them."