TRAVELS IN BARBARY. 
pected, that by it he would at once discover the 
nature of the disease, its seat and various symp- 
toms, and the means of cure. She was much sur- 
prised, and even indignant, when questions were 
put to her upon these topics. The doctor, how- 
ever, insisted that an examination of the tongue 
was absolutely necessary, expecting that he would 
thus at least behold the face of his fair patient. 
After much hesitation, however, 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 liberal 
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 
a 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, awk- 
ward in their manners, and vain of their persons 
to a childish degree. They expressed the utmost 
amazement at learning that he could read and 
write, and observed thereupon, that the abilities 
