Page 88 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

IV.] SHERM TO SINAI. 69

pared for us. Instead of grinding them as we
do, they pound their berries between two
stones, and that only when they are required
for use. The addition of milk and sugar is
unknown, and water being used in less pro­
portion than is customary in Europe, their
coffee is consequently very strong.
A group of Bedowins were disputing re­
specting the sanity of Lady Esther Stanhope;

one party strenuously maintaining that it was
impossible a lady so charitable, so munificent,
could be otherwise than in full possession of
her faculties. Their opponents alleged that
her assimilating herself to the Virgin Mary,
her anticipated entry with our Saviour into
Jerusalem, and other vagaries attributed to
her, were proofs to the contrary. An old man
with a white beard called for silence (a call
from the aged amidst the Arabs seldom made
in vain). “ She is mad” said he; and, lower­
ing his voice to a whisper, as if fearful such

an outrage against established custom should
spread beyond his circle, he added, “ for she
puts sugar to her coffee.” This was conclusive.
Almost every Bedowin carries with him his
apparatus for making coffee, consisting of a