662 Notice of the Ajaib-al-Mukhlnkat QNo. 152. 



He also narrates a curious story of seven sages being called to the 

 presence of Brahma, who propounded to them the three following 

 questions : — 



1st. Whence do mortals come ? 

 2d. Whither do they go ? 

 3d. Why have they come ? 

 The answers of the sages to these metaphysical queries are as satis- 

 factory as might be expected ; they acknowledge their ignorance, and 

 utter incapability to approach these great mysteries of the objects of 

 the creation. 



The author avers, that the statements of the Hindoos regarding their 

 religion are various and conflicting ; some believe that this existence is 

 one of misery, and that the next will be one of bliss. 



Many, in order to escape this state of wretchedness, put a period to 

 their existence. 



The Zengs. 



The Zengs inhabit the Western parts of the 1st clime. They are a 

 despicable race, and deficient in intellect. 



Their countenances are blackened by the heat of the sun ; yet they 

 are a cheerful people, owing to the evenness of their disposition ; or to the 

 influence of the star Soheili, (Canopus,) which dominates over this 

 region. 



The Nubians. 



The Nubians have many cities, and an extensive territory South of 

 Egypt. They are of estimable qualities, and profess the religion of the 

 Nazarenes. 



The Berbers, (Natives of Barbary.) 



The Berbers inhabit the Western parts of the 3d clime from Barca, *$..> 

 to the extreme West, which is bounded by the Bahri Mohit, J^s* ,.^ 

 the ocean. They say the Berbers are the remnants of the tribe of 

 Jalut. t ■■ « »Jla> Jalut is the name of Goliath and Jalutieh of the dy- 

 nasty of Philistine kings at Tangiers. I was informed by the Jews, that 

 the Berbers there were genuine descendants of a colony from Philistine. 

 The People of the Mountain t u L^,_, o 1^ 



Three tribes on the shore of the sea of Kharez between it and Cazvin, 

 professing different religions, and always at war ; some are Hanbalis, 

 others Shafihis, and some Nazarenes. 



