Page:The Nestorians and their rituals, volume 1.djvu/295

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CHAPTER XVI.

Arrival of Mar Shimoon at Asheetha.—Demonstrations of loyalty and respect on the part of the villagers.—Description of Mar Shimoon.—His address to the people of Asheetha.—Arrival of deputies from Noorallah Beg.—Their message and the violence of Deacon Ishâk the Patriarch's brother.—Reply of Mar Shimoon to the Coordish Emeer.—Interviews with the Patriarch regarding missionary operations among the Nestorians.—Extract of a Report to the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts on the same subject.—Letter of Mar Shimoon to the Archbishop of Canterbury.—Return to Amedia.—Church of Mar Audishu.—Many Nestorians eat swine's flesh.—Journey through the Mezuriyeh mountains, and return to Mosul.

It is now time to resume our narrative. After waiting two days I was agreeably surprised to hear that Mar Shimoon had reached the adjoining village of Serspeedho on his way to Asheetha. No sooner was this intelligence made known than as many as twenty of the peasants began to make preparations for his reception. Five or six occupied themselves in raising a rude stone in the centre of the common hall, to which the fire was to be removed from beneath the chimney, where it could not be enjoyed by all the expected company. Some brought clean straw to spread over the place which was to serve as the Patriarch's seat and bed; whilst others ran from house to house collecting wood and provisions for his use. All was bustle, hurry, and confusion in anticipation of the coming visit. Four porters next appeared carrying the Patriarch's baggage, which was placed in a corner of the room, and such articles taken therefrom as were known to be requisite, such as a carpet, mattress, pillow, and six small coffee-cups. A copper ewer seemed to attract the notice and affection of an old woman, who, as soon as it was produced laid hold of it and covered it with kisses. For two hours the village was in a complete uproar, when it was an-

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