Page 200 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

X.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 161

mental improvement, it is not surprising that
the same species of credulity and supersti­
tion, but a few centuries ago so universal

in Europe, should still hold its ground in

Arabia. With many, a firm belief exists as
to the power of enchanters and sorcerers;
and their diabolical agency is thought to be

principally exercised in transforming men
into goats. It is even pretended that there

are marks by which such unfortunates may
be recognised; and a Bedowin, about to be­

come a purchaser of a goat, may often be
observed looking with much gravity and

earnestness for them. I could never, however,
prevail on them to explain of what nature
they were. Many other tales of a similar

nature were related to me, but, as they pos­
sess no higher interest, I forbear from nar-

rating them. A talismanic power is also at­
tributed to certain words, and, as with other

Mohammedans, amulets and charms are worn,
but their use is not so general as with the

town Arabs.

vol. I. M