THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. ?$ 



Takir, or Dervlcb, moderately nulled in magic, and who cared 

 for nothing but ftudy and books. 



This reputation opened me, privately, a channel for pur- 

 chafing many Arabic manufcripts, which the knowledge of 

 the language enabled me to chufe, free from the load of 

 trafh that is generally impofed upon Chriflian purchafers. 



The part of Cairo where the French are fettled is exceed- 

 ingly commodious, and fit for retirement. It confiils of one 

 long ftreet, where all the merchants of that nation live to- 

 gether. It is fliut at one end, by large gates, where there 

 is a guard, and thefe are kept conflantly clofe in the time of 

 the plague. 



At the other end is a large garden tolerably kept, in which 

 there are feveral pleafant walks, and feats ; all the enjoy- 

 ment that Chriftians can hope fof, among this vile people, 

 reduces itfelf to peace, and quiet ; nobody feeks for more. 

 There are, however, wicked emifTaries who are conflantly em- 

 ployed, by threats, lies, and extravagant demands, to tor- 

 ment them, and keep them from enjoying that repofe, 

 which would content them inflead of freedom, and more 

 folid happinefs, in their own country, 



I have always confidered the French at Cairo, as a num- 

 ber of honeft, polifhed, and induftrious men, by fome fa- 

 tality condemned to the gallies ; and I muft own, never did 

 a fet of people bear their continual vexations with more 

 fortitude and manlinefs. 



Vol. I. D Thei-r. 



