" I remained with him
until he seemed insensible. I could not wait longer, as night was
coming on; so I rode back, for I could do no good. I felt sure he
would not see the sun rise.
When all my sad preparations were finished at Bludan, I bade adieu to
the Anti-Lebanon with a heavy heart, and for the last time, choking
with emotion, I rode down the mountain and through the Plain of Zebedani,
with a very large train of followers. I had a sorrowful ride into
Damascus. Just outside the city gates I met the Wali, driving in
state with all his suite. He looked radiant, and saluted me with
much _empressement_. I did not return his salute. However, the next
time we met I had the laugh of him, for he looked very much less
radiant a few days later, when the news of his own recall reached
him. He fought hard to stay; and I do not wonder, for he had a
splendid position. But none of Richard's enemies have ever flourished.
At Damascus I had to go through the same sad scenes, on a much larger
scale, that I had gone through at Bludan. Many kind friends, native and
European, came to stay about me till the last; in fact, my farewells
threatened to assume the character of a demonstration. This I was most
anxious to avoid. My one anxiety now was to get away as quietly as
possible. I made my preparations for departure from Damascus in the
same way as I had done at Bludan. I arranged to sell everything, pay
all debts, and pack and dispatch to England our personal effects.
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