Marryat, Frederick, 1792-1848 / 2008-07-04 00:00:00


As this man was considered to be a prophet, the sheiks were afraid, and
would not give a decided answer. Irritated at the Maribout's
interference, I reviled him; he raised a hue and cry against me; and,
being joined by the populace, I was nearly killed. As I hastened away,
the wretch threw some sand after me, crying out, "Thus shall the caravan
perish from the judgment of heaven, if that cursed camel is permitted to
carry the holy word of the prophet." The consequence was, that an
inferior camel was selected, and I was disappointed. But on the ensuing
year the Maribout was not at Cairo; and, as there was no animal equal to
mine in beauty, it was chosen by the sheiks without a dissentient voice.
I hastened home to my wife, overjoyed with my good fortune, which I
hoped would bring a blessing upon my house. She was equally delighted,
and my beautiful camel seemed also to be aware of the honour to which he
was destined, as he repaid our caresses, curving and twisting his long
neck, and laying his head upon our shoulders.
The caravan assembled: it was one of the largest which for many years
had quitted Cairo, amounting in all to eighteen thousand camels. You may
imagine my pride when, as the procession passed through the streets, I
pointed out to my wife the splendid animal, with his bridle studded with
jewels and gold, led by the holy sheiks in their green robes, carrying
on his back the chest which contained the law of our prophet, looking
proudly on each side of him as he walked along, accompanied by bands of
music, and the loud chorus of the singing men and women.
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