Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/420

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
SAMARITAN PENTATEUCH.
413

itan literature. He can read this ancient and rarely-acquired language as easily as Priest Amran the Levite can. Russian gold has been freely spent in the prosecution of such works as these—works of world-wide interest, and by which all the public libraries of Europe will be enriched. Dr. Levisohn will no doubt eventually publish the discoveries he has made of certain variations in the Samaritan and Hebrew versions of the Laws of Moses, which have not yet been noticed by commentators.[1]

In March, orders were issued for the thorough cleansing and sweeping of the chief streets of Hâifa, that they might be in a fit state to receive His Royal Highness Prince Alfred, who had landed at Yâfa and gone thence to Jerusalem, Hebron, and to the Dead Sea, or "Bahr Lutt," that is, the Sea of Lot. He was journeying through the interior toward Hâifa to meet his ship, the Euryalus, which had been in port for several days. The Pasha of 'Akka ordered all subordinate officers to hold themselves in readiness to go out with him to welcome the royal sailor-boy, who came from Tiberias by way of Shefa 'Amer, and arrived at Hâifa before sunset on the 4th of April—1859—with the commander and some of the chief officers of the Euryalus, attended by Mr. Finn, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, and my brother.

The young Prince made a very favorable impression on all the people who were so happy as to see him in Syria. Every one had something to say in praise of his bright, frank face, and clear, quick-seeing blue eyes, or some story to tell, illustrative of his good-nature and good sense.

Those who accompanied His Royal Highness on his tour through Palestine, spoke of his love of fun, his brave, buoyant spirit, and his quickness of perception, but more

  1. In a letter dated Jerusalem, September 26, 1861, I am told that "Dr. Levisohn's work is delayed for want of funds." Will not the lovers of Oriental and ancient literature in Western Europe inquire into this matter, and assist Dr. Levisohn to complete his undertaking?