Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/94

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CIRCUMCISION.
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drums, and tambourines—called together the people from all parts of the town to witness this performance. The goat danced and balanced himself obediently and perfectly, in very unnatural-looking postures, as if thoroughly understanding the words and commands of his master. The men who watched the antics of the goat looked as grave and serious as if they were attending a philosophical or scientific lecture.

The assembled crowd had to make way presently for a long procession, preceded by horsemen carrying long spears, and firing guns. Two little boys, gayly dressed and decked with flowers, rode one behind the other on a white horse. Two large books, carried on embroidered cushions, were borne by two attendants. Women closely vailed walked by the side of the boys, singing wildly, and making a peculiar ringing noise in the throat, not unlike the neighing of horses made slightly musical by modulation. Nasif, who can speak English, told me the object of the procession, saying, "The boys are Moslems; they have suffered an infliction not observed by the Christians; the Jews have it, and also the Moslems." This explained to me that the children had been circumcised, and were now being conducted round the town in triumph.

My brother made arrangements with the owner of a little Arab boat to be prepared to take us to Hâifa, as soon as the south wind rose. Two monks of Mount Carmel begged to accompany us. We made our plans so as to be ready at a minute's notice, and spent the evening with Sit Leah. She had quite recovered, and proudly showed me her little Selim. I found that every one addressed her and spoke of her as "Um Selim," or mother of Selim, and the father was called "Abu Selim."

On Wednesday, September 19th, I was roused before sunrise, and informed that the Reis—or Arab captain had sent for us, as the wind was favorable. With the two monks and Nasif G. we quickly went down to the quay. In the mean time the wind had shifted, and the