To his delight, they stopped at the entrance of the tent by which he was concealed, and one said: "I can well understand, Ibrahim Khalim, that your brother Mahmud is sorely vexed that your father will not let him advance against the Egyptians, at Merawi.

I fully share his feelings; for could I not, with my cavalry, sweep them before me into the river, even though no footmen came with me?
According to accounts they are but two or three thousand strong, and I have as many horsemen under my command." "That is so, Osman Azrakyet.

But methinks my father is right.

If we were to march across the desert, we would lose very many men and great numbers of animals, and we should arrive weakened and dispirited.

If we remain here, it is the Egyptians who will have to bear the hardships of the march across the desert.