'History of the imâms and seyyids of 'Omân by Salîl-ibn-Razîk, from A.D. 661-1856; translated from the original Arabic, and edited with notes, appendices, and an introduction, continuing the history down to 1870, by George Percy Badger, F.R.G.S., late chaplain in the Presidency of Bombay.' [‎85] (246/612)

THE IMAMS OF 'OMAN.
85
the other posts held by the Portuguese from Muskat to
el-Mat rah. The selection was made singly and collectively;
that done, he set out at their head, they calling out: " God is
most great ! 0 God, make the orthodox Muslims victorious
over the beardless Portuguese!" On reaching the suspended
chain they fired their muskets and hurled stones at those
who were in the cradles, but their fire was not returned,
for God restrained the occupants and they retreated. When
the assailants reached the walls they placed ladders against
them and seized all the gates, none of the Portuguese
opposing them but such as were reeling drunk, incapable
of firing or using their muskets, beyond striking with them
at random. These the Mussulmans dispatched with sword
and spear, and left them prostrate like the trunks of uprooted
date-trees. They then formed into two divisions, one of
which rushed towards the Eastern and the other to the
Western fort, against which they planted ladders; and
when the garrison attempted to fire upon them the guns
would not go off, because the powder had been tampered
with. Then there was a hand-to-hand struggle, and swords,
spears, and dag'gers were broken on heads and breasts, the
Imam and his soldiers eventually taking possession ot the
wall, the two forts, the two batteries, and all the other-
posts of the enemy, with the exception of the tower called
Kasim, which was still held by a famous Portuguese war
rior, named Cabreta [Cabrera?], who sallied out against the
Imam and his army whenever an opportunity offered. He
had a large garrison with him, but one day when he came
forth and attacked the Mussulmans who occupied the Island
he was obliged to retreat before them. They pursued him
as far as the cotton-market, where there was a great light,
but they assailed him with spears and rotten eggs, and
slew him and all his followers. So God rid the Mussulmans
of him and his polytheist companions.
Then the Imam directed a party ol his followers to