Simeon took counsel how he was to proceed.

Natives leading mules came by, and offered them to him, but he refused.

He could not go to the Prophet who held the key to imperishable wealth and eternal life on such contemptible beasts.
His slaves had to make a litter, and he lay under its glittering canopy on soft cushions, while six Moors bore their master thus into the desert.

When they rested at an oasis, it was like a royal camp; servants handed him water from the spring in a crystal goblet, skilful cooks prepared the meal; beautiful women, whose skin was soft as velvet and brown as copper, spread out their black hair for him and delighted him with harp-playing, while armed men kept watch against the desert chief, Barabbas.
The country became more and more uninviting, and it was almost impossible to avoid many discomforts.

Simeon remembered the comfort of his palace in Jerusalem, and contemplated turning back.