Chap. 35.
Dargan and Sanar two Egyptian Lords contend∣ing about the Sultanie, Sanar calleth in the Turks to help him. Of the danger of mercena∣ry souldiers; yet how, well qualified, they may be serviceable.
EGypt was a stage whereon the most remarkable passages in the reign of King Almerick were acted. It will be necessary therefore to premise somewhat concerning the estate of that Kingdome at this time. Whilest the Turks thus lorded it in Syria and the lesser Asia, the Saracen Caliph commanded in Egypt; under whom two great Lords, Dargan and Sanar, fell out about the Sultanie or Vice-royship of that land. But Sanar fearing he should be worsted by Dargan, sued to Noradine King of the Turks at Damascus for aid: who sent him an army of Turks, un∣der the command of Syracon an experienced Captain, against Sultan Dargan. So Dargan and Sanar met and fought. The victory was Dargans; but he enjoyed it not long, being shortly after slain by treachery, whereby Sanar recovered the Sultans place. Mean time how strange was the voluptuous lethargy of the Caliph Elhadach, to pursue his private pleasures, whilest his Vice-royes thus fought under his nose, and imployed forrein succours, yet he never regarded it; as if the tottering of his King∣dome had rocked him fast asleep!
Nor was he moved with that which followed, and more near∣ly concerned him. For Syracon the Turkish Captain, whom Sanar had gotten to come into Egypt, would not be intreated to go home again; but seized on the city of Belbis, fortified it, and there attended the arrivall of more Turks from Damascus, for the conquest of Egypt. Which afterwards they performed; the land being never completely cleared of them, till at last they conquered the whole Kingdome, partly under this Sy∣racon,