Page:History of Mahomet, that grand impostor.pdf/27

 so much to fear, ended in the loss of only six men on his side and three on the other.

Mahomet knew very well how to make use of the advantage the enemy had given him by this retreat, he immediately marched against one of the confederate tribes, laying siege to their strong places, and forcing them to surrender at discretion. Most of the men were put to the sword, the women and children sold for slaves, and the booty he divided among his soldiers.

He likewise subdued several other tribes of the Arabians, treating them for the most part in the same cruel manner; but finding among the captives, a woman of extraordinary beauty, he fell in love with her, and made her his wife, and for her sake he released all her relations who had been taken prisoners.

Having gained many victories, and considerably increased his forces, Mahomet now resolved to return the visit to his enemies at Mecca; and a battle was fought between them near that city, in which, no great advantage being obtained on either side, a truce was concluded, whereby it was agreed, “That all who were friends to Mahomet in Mecca, might have liberty of joining him, and those in his army, who desired it, might return to their houses at Mecca: and that Mahomet, or any of his party, should be permitted to come into the city at any time during the truce, and to remain there for three days, provided they came without arms, and in a peaceable manner.”

The impostor on his return to Medina, looking upon his authority to be pretty well established, caused his army to proclaim him king under a tree C