126 
TRAVELS IN THE 
CHAPTER. X. 
Various Occurrences during the Author s Confinement at Benowm 
—is. visited by some Moorish Ladies. — A Funeral and Wed- 
ding. — The Author receives an extraordinary Present from the 
Bride. — Other Circumstances illustrative of the Moorish Cha- 
racter and Manners. 
The Moors, though very indolent themselves,; are rigid task- 
masters, and keep every person under them in full employment. 
My boy Demba was sent to the woods to collect withered grass 
for Ali's horses ; and after a variety Of projects concerning my- 
self, they at last found out an employment for me: this was 
no other than the respectable office of barber. I was to make 
my first exhibition in this capacity in the royal presence, and 
to be honoured with the task of shaving the head of the young 
prince of Ludamar. I accordingly seated myself upon the sand, 
and the boy, with some hesitation, sat down beside me.; A small 
razor, about three inches long, was put into my hand, and I 
was ordered to proceed ; but whether from my own want of 
skill, or the improper shape of the instrument, I unfortunately 
made a slight incision in the boy s head, at the very commence- 
ment of the operation ; and the King observing the awkward 
^manner in which I held the razor, concluded that his son's 
