TRAVELS IN BARBARY. 237 
the apartment ; from under which, having placed 
him on a low stool, she put out her hand, in order 
that her pulse might be felt. It was expected, 
that by it he would at once discover the nature of 
the disease, its seat and various symptoms, and the 
means of cure. She was much surprised, and even 
indignant, when questions were put to her upon these 
topics. The doctor, however, insisted that an exa- 
mination of the tongue was absolutely necessary, ex- 
pecting that he would thus at least behold the face 
of his fair patient. After much hesitation, how- 
ever, she caused a slit to be made in the curtain* 
through which the tongue was thrust, without any 
other part of her person being at the same time 
exposed. 
The next patient was one affected by a scrofu- 
lous complaint in the neck. He soon persuaded 
her of the necessity of shewing him the seat of the 
disease. He found her very handsome ; and she 
offered him large presents, with still more libe- 
ral promises, on condition of his curing her. She 
was much surprised when he spoke of this as at all 
a doubtful event, saying she always understood & 
Christian physician could cure every disease. 
As our physician advanced in favour with the 
prince, the same reserve was no longer enforced, 
and he was frequently admitted while the ladies were 
present. He found them uninformed, awkward in 
their manners, and vain of their persons to a child- 
