travels

268 TRAVELS IN EGYPT, NUBIA,to Russia, it might be possible to assist him in such a manneras to induce all the Christians to flock to his standard; andby enabling him to become a powerful and independentprince, the Turkish power might be greatly reduced in thatquarter.Of the consequences I cannot presume to judge.The possessors of Syria would have advantageous means ofgaining Egypt if they chose to exert them.The effects ofany European power possessing the latter country have beendreaded on our part, and prevented by our armies. The presentchief of Egypt would be able and willing to- resist theattempts of a Christian state on Syria; but if it were oncein such hands, he could not long remain independent; particularlyas the natives, ever ready to change masters, wouldbe inclined to receive a European force with open arms.To us neither Egypt nor Syria seem necessary; thereforeit appears our interest to assist in making him independent,and to strengthen him in every possible way.He is disposedto favour the English more than any other Europeanpower, because he has no jealousy of us with regard to hisown territory, and is convinced we shall prevent, as much aswe can, any other from invading him.His character hasbeen already described; and therefore I will conclude by observing,that whilst Egypt on one side, and the emir of MountLibanon on the other, are disposed to unite with us, thereseems to be no fear of any other power obtaining Syria.ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΘΗΚΗ