cii. XXVI.] The Oath of Brotherhood. 219 



is really called as witness, and which has a true 

 religious character with those who make it, the oath 

 of brotherhood. This is essentially the covenant 

 which Abraham made with Abimelech at Beersheba, 

 and binds those who take it in all respects to act as 

 brothers. Aid and assistance must be given in case 

 of private quarrels, and, if contracted between 

 sheykhs, in case of war. Neither the sheykh nor 

 his people can commit any act of hostility against 

 the people of a brother sheykh, nor can cattle be 

 retained if robbed from a brother. It often happens 

 that in a raid camels or sheep, belonging to a 

 brother, are taken with the spoil of the enemy. In 

 this case, on appeal made, they are at once restored. 

 Moreover, if brothers, belonging to hostile tribes, 

 happen to meet in battle, they may not engage or 

 take part directly against each other, and must 

 choose other combatants. 



The oath of brotherhood is never lightly taken or 

 with other than a serious intention. The form of 

 words is repeated in a grave voice, and no allusion 

 to it of a trivial nature would be tolerated, either 

 before or after the act. Two witnesses must attest 

 it, though it is only necessary for one to be actually 

 present. The other may be informed of it im- 

 mediately afterwards. I have never heard of an 

 instance where the oath has been broken. 



Though usually contracted in consequence of 

 some real sympathy between the swearers, an alli- 

 ance of this sort is sometimes made between the 



