Page 114 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

VI.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 75

Sunday, December 1th. Towards midnight

wc had hard rain, which continued without
intermission until sunrise. It was piercingly

cold, and, as we could obtain no shelter, we
were thoroughly drenched. To the Bedowins

it afforded infinite pleasure, as they were
now sure of pasturage for some time. At

daylight, to divest our limbs of their numb­
ness, we jumped and ran races, until I be­

thought myself of our English game of leap­
frog. Very great was the diversion this af-

forded them, until our breakfast of milk and
dates was announced, after which we packed

up, and resumed our journey. At eight, a.m.,
we continued to thread our way to the

west-south-west, between the same sandy
mounds as yesterday, until four, p.m., when

we arrived at a small encampment, in which
dwelt the Sheikh’s wives: shortly after-

minds. Combinations the most harsh and rugged form the most
striking feature of their music, as often, when their movements
are grave and slow, as when they are brisk and lively. In the for­
mer they often exhibit much grave and melancholy thought, in the
latter they not unfrequently spring up simultaneously, and join, to
the full extent of their voices, in a rude chorus. I found no surer
way of exciting a kindly feeling towards myself, when among this
rude people, than by listening with apparent interest to these per­
formances.