Page 111 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

72 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

these solitary and boundless wastes, although
destitute of trees, mountains, and water, or
any of the features common to softer regions,

there is something in their severely simple

features, their nakedness and immensity,
which reminds me of the trackless ocean,
and impresses the soul with a feeling of sub­

limity. The aspect of my companion is in

perfect keeping with the peculiar attributes
of his native land. His sinewy form, and
clean and compact limbs, are revealed by

the scantiness of his garments : his dark and

ruddy countenance is lighted up by the
kindling of his resolute eye: his demeanour
is honest and frank, and his whole appear­

ance breathes a manly contempt of hard­

ships.
“You wished,’’ said the Sheikh, “to see
the country of the Bedowins—this," he con­

tinued, striking his spear into the firm sand,

“ this is the country of the Bedowins.”
Neither he nor his companions wore more
than a single cloth around their waist, all the

rest of the body being left bare. Their hair,

which is permitted to flow unconfined as low
as their waist, and is usually kept loaded