KHAIR-AD-DIN GOES TO ALEPPO.
The illustrious emperor being prepared to set out on his sixth expedition, (which was to be to the Irakin,[30]) in the above-mentioned year (940), in the month Rabi-al-Akher, (Oct. or Nov. 1533,) sent forward the Grand Vezier Ibrahim Pasha to winter at Aleppo. This general now sent a letter of invitation to Khair-ad-din, with a request that the emperor would allow him to depart. The emperor having at this time directed all his forces, both military and naval, to that quarter, expressed in an interview with Khair-ad-din his consent to his departure. Khair-ad-din then set out by land; and on his arrival at Aleppo, the vezier called a divan, and performing the ceremonies of the istakbal,[31] showed him great respect. Khair-ad-din, having according to custom kissed hands, had a place assigned him under all the begs and pashas. Next day, however, when he came to the assembly, he was clothed, according to the custom of the Osmanlis, with the robe of the begler-beg of Algiers, and took his seat above all the other begler-begs. After two or three days spent in feasting and transacting unimportant business, he was sent back to the Porte, where he arrived in twenty-four days, and resumed his affairs.