Page 213 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

174 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [di.

dowins, who, with a pair of tattered sandals
on their feet, which but partially protect them

from the hot sand, and with heads bared to
the scorching heat of the sun, will walk all

day alongside their camels, without uttering
a murmur of complaint or impatience, and in
the evening will make their supper on dates

and a draught of water in perfect content­

ment. In attacks of pain or disease they
exhibit the same inherent spirit of resigna­

tion and fortitude. An old man we had with
us on this occasion suffered so much from an

internal complaint, that he frequently dis­
mounted from his camel, and writhed in un­

controllable agony in the sand ; yet when the
paroxysm was over, not a syllable of discon­

tent escaped him. Their children are also
taught at an early age to suppress all out­

ward signs of emotion ; and whatever may be
the extent of their misfortunes in after life,

“ Allah Akbar” (God is great) is all that
escapes from them.

Saturday, 30 th. At 10 30 we again proceeded,
the face of the country having the same bar­

ren appearance as yesterday, until 12.30,
when we entered Wadi Khor, through which

a very large stream flows towards the sea. It