Others join his army because their villages have been destroyed, and their fields wasted, and they see no other way of saving themselves from starvation.
"There are many who fight because they are fond of fighting.

You see how gladly they take service with you, and fight against their own countrymen, although you are Christians.

Suppose you were to conquer the Khalifa tomorrow, half his army would enlist in your service, if you would take them.

A man who would be contented to till his fields, if he could do so in peace and quiet, fears that he may see his produce eaten by others and his house set on fire; and would rather leave his home and fight--he cares not against whom.
"The Mahdist army are badly fed and badly paid.

They can scarce keep life together.