'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎682] (781/905)

682
MILITARY EXCURSIONS. [CHAP. XXV.
Music and the holder receives a prize or blank, as chance may have decided,
recitations. Thege amusemen t Sj w ith the addition of music from one or two
of the rude instruments of the country, such as the rababa (a
sort of primitive guitar), a kind of bagpipe, a hautboy, or a
trumpet, serve to while away the time. At certain periods,
however, the tent is enlivened by the visit of a pedlar going
from camp to camp, to tempt the females with his finery, and
interest the men by retailing news of the other tribes.
Another, and perhaps more interesting visit is that of the
muhaddith, the rawi, or the improvvisatore, who at once
animates and charms the circle by traditional songs, tales,
and the recitation of pieces of poetry, often made at the time
of delivery, and suited to circumstances, the host and his
tribe being lavishly complimented.
Manner of With the exceptions of the preceding and some few other
foray nga occupations and amusements, the nomadic life is alter
nately one of listless idleness or extreme activity; the
greatest energy being called forth when a predatory excursion
is undertaken. On such occasions a certain number of the
tribe, armed and mounted, make a rapid movement in order
to surprise and fall upon some ill-protected point; returning
with all speed, and bringing, if successful, the flocks and other
spoil which they may have obtained. Not unfrequently they
find that their own tribe has, by a similar foray, during their
absence, been surprised and plundered. An engagement is
usually preceded by a wild dance, in which the men, taking
hold of each others' hands, vociferate a tvar-song. 1 But
the disposition to engage in a pitched battle, or even in an
ordinary open fight, has long since passed away. The tent
of the sheikh is open at all times to the men of the tribe,
many of whom assemble there when any public measure is
contemplated; and on some of these occasions a venerable
chief may be seen seated with his guests on carpets round a
charcoal fire, giving brief directions, whilst coffee is being pre
pared and served, for an intended movement, which, according
to the season, may commence at night, at daylight, or the
following morning.
1 See Plate XCI.