THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. >j 



Fakir, or Dervich, moderately fkilled in magic, and who cared 

 for nothing but ftudy and books. 



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

 chafmg many Arabic manufcripts, which the knowledge of 

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

 tralh 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 confifts of one 

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

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

 is a guard, and thefe are kept conftantly 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 for, among this vile people, 

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

 There are, however, wicked emiffaries who are conftantly 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, polilhed, and induftrious men, by fome fa- 

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

 a fet of people bear their continual vexations with more 

 fortitude and manlinefs. 



Vol. I, D Thei* 



