"Sir," said Imlac, "what can you hope from violence or valour? The
Arabs are mounted on horses trained to battle and retreat; we have
only beasts of burden. By leaving our present station we may lose
the Princess, but cannot hope to regain Pekuah."

In a short time the Turks returned, having not been able to reach
the enemy. The Princess burst out into new lamentations, and
Rasselas could scarcely forbear to reproach them with cowardice;
but Imlac was of opinion that the escape of the Arabs was no
addition to their misfortune, for perhaps they would have killed
their captives rather than have resigned them.



CHAPTER XXXIV--THEY RETURN TO CAIRO WITHOUT PEKUAH.



There was nothing to be hoped from longer stay. They returned to
Cairo, repenting of their curiosity, censuring the negligence of
the government, lamenting their own rashness, which had neglected
to procure a guard, imagining many expedients by which the loss of
Pekuah might have been prevented, and resolving to do something for
her recovery, though none could find anything proper to be done.

Nekayah retired to her chamber, where her women attempted to
comfort her by telling her that all had their troubles, and that
Lady Pekuah had enjoyed much happiness in the world for a long
time, and might reasonably expect a change of fortune. They hoped
that some good would befall her wheresoever she was, and that their