[Footnote 20: These Sheikhs, or saints, are what we call idiots. They are unfortunate beings, who, although neglected by nature, are considered in this country as direct apostles from God, to inform the children of man of their destiny. These poor wretches are all but idolized, every one being anxious to shew them the utmost respect. When they walk out in the streets, they are stopped by old and young, who kiss their face, hands, and even their feet, and offer them everything they wish for. Beings of this description are generally very apathetic, and accept little or nothing; they are, in fact, generally to be met dressed in the most disgusting clothes, in rags, or utterly naked, although they would be provided with the finest raiment if they merely expressed the slightest wish. Their parents, sisters, or other relations, on the other hand, know how to turn their misfortune to the best account, and accept considerable presents for their intercession with these saints, or for procuring others an opportunity of consulting this oracle. They give the most absurd and ridiculous answers to questions that are put to them, partly as a consequence of their fatuity, and partly because taught to do so; it is, indeed, scarcely possible at times to guess at their meaning. The more absurd the answer, the more contented is the party interested; and absolutely delighted, if he can only make out a single word of the whole rodomontade, which in the slightest agrees with his wishes. To these saints the women flock in numbers to beg for fertility. Besides these Sheikhs, there are others, and Fakéers, who write amulets, which the women wear on their arms, or heads, firmly believing that their most fervent wishes will be then fulfilled. The latter profession is exceedingly lucrative, and I have seen several persons who had made a small fortune in this manner, and very well understood the art of imposing on the people, and of persuading them to purchase a fresh charm, although experience must have convinced them of the futility of the last.] [Footnote 21: Tarabuka, a drum, which is beaten with the hand.] [Footnote 22: Takie.] [Footnote 23: The Arab term for the Sesamum.—TR.] [Footnote 24: _Spica nardus_; _Valeriana celtica_.—TR.] [Footnote 25: The fruit of the _prunus mahaleb_, or perfumed cherry, a native of Austria.—TR.] [Footnote 26: Dhofer is the shell of an animal found on the Red Sea, cut into small pieces and used as a perfume, emitting a pleasant odour when held over the fire. _Burckhardt’s Travels in Nubia_, p. 286.—TR.] [Footnote 27: The use of Kophel is of very great antiquity, and is mentioned in the New Testament by the term στιβίζειν.—TR.]