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DOCUMENT 21 Document 21 is a laissez-passer issued for the traveler James Bruce by the Hamaj notable'Adlan walad ~ubal}i, Shaykh of al-Bal}r, in 1772. An English translation was given by Bruce's biographer Alexander Murray, and this is offered here'! For Shaykh 'Adlan's seal, see the introduction to Doc. 20. Letter of Shekh Adelan to Ali Bey, announcing the departure of Mr Bruce from Sennaar to Egypt. 1772. In the name of the most merciful God, the Lord of both worlds. Blessing and peace be upon our Lord Mahommed, his family and friends, the supporters, who are majestic, pure, illustrious, and radiant. [The seal with the inscription on it above-mentioned.] May it come with the sprinkling of the dew of perfume, scented with ambergris and odours, to the presence excelling in bounty, that speaks virtue and piety, the fountain of excellence and perfections, the spring of honours and favours, the horse that first reaches the goal, the chief of the masters of exalted eloquence, whose way of life increases his power, the drawn sword of God over every commander, and the arrow of prudence over every conqueror. So be it. The resplendent majesty, the chief of the chiefs of Cairo (Messir al Cahira) may God exalt his high rank, and make the backs of his enemies the place of his sword; may the arrows of his troops never forsake his flying enemies, and the 134 DOCUMENT 21 135 annies of his terror be in their dejected hearts; may the bridle of his firm purpose train them to obedience, and the wisdom of his policy tame all their skill. The Shekh super-excellent and illustrious, glorious in his benefits to all mankind, bright in the love of his heart towards the explainers of what is dark, the prince of the city of Cairo the fortified, may God make the tree of peace flourish in his heart--Omir Allawat, the Sanjack, Ali Bey, God is with him--Amen. Your friend, Shekh Adelan, salutes you with exceeding peace, and prays for an increase of your power and honour. Next. What calls us to the intercourse of these letters, and the cause of our composing them is, that your servant, El Hakim Yagoube, came to us from the land of Habbesh with letters from the Sultan of Mecca and Metical Aga, and letters also from the Sultan of Habbesh, that we should treat him with kindness and civilities, and forward him speedily on his way to your presence; and we desired him to stay until we might be beneficent to him, but he refused and would not, fearing blame from you and your authority over all. So he is gone from us to seek you, with friendship and peace, and we hope that he will obtain his desire from those that know what is hid, in order that your friendship may be more fully established towards us, and that you may be joined to us more nearly, and that amity may be between our house and your house; and let us not be deprived of letters from you, for correspondence is half an interview. lMurray, Life and Writings, pp. 227-228. ...

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