Page 109 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)

H 90 SHERM TO SINAI. [CH.
:■ .
inclosure is occupied by a picture of the
Crucifixion, and the whole of the lower por-
tion, between the numerous paintings, is
:::
1 tastefully inlaid with ivory, tortoiseshell, and
silver. Behind this, protected by an iron
railing, stands the altar, said to be erected
I near the spot where the Lord first appeared to
Moses. In imitation of his example, the pil­
1
grim is here directed to take off his shoes,
and he is then shown a bible, which is de­
1 scribed to be of great antiquity. Looking

towards the right of the altar, there is a
marble lamb, concealed from public view by
an ornamental curtain, containing the relics
of St. Catherine. These, according to the
legend, were borne by angels to the summit
of the neighbouring mountain (which bears
her name), and were subsequently transported
here. The skeleton of the hand, covered with
1 rings and jewels, is the only portion exhibited
to visitors, and its removal from the coffin is

accompanied by much mummery : incense is
1 burnt, the monks are bareheaded, and prayers
I are chanted.

&
1 Near these relics, and illumined on fast
days by a number of enormous tapers, stands

m