Page 157 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

1 18 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [di.

on the look-out, ascend by means of a rude
ladder, formed by placing bars of wood in a

diagonal direction in one of the side angles,
within the interior of the building. The

country in every direction around this town
is flat and even; and the commanding view

they obtain from their summit enables them
to perceive from a long distance the approach

of an enemy. A telescope which I presented
to the Sheikh was most thankfully received,

and it promises to be of every service to
them.

The females here are equally bold, and
more numerous than those of Ibrah. Yet,

notwithstanding my tent was constantly
crowded with them, and a temptation to

pilfer must have been presented in a hun­
dred seducing and facile forms, I did not

miss the most trifling article. I hope their
other virtues may be commensurate with

their honesty. More frolicsome, laughter­
loving dames I never beheld : they were
never for an instant quiet, and, as for their

chattering!—he must be a bold man, and

worthy of his destiny with such damsels, who,
availing himself, in point of plurality, to the