CHAP. I. 
ARABS. 
53 
to which a tremulous sound is given by a rapid motion of the tongue 
from side to side ; it is very enUvening, and when it b^;comes fa- 
miUar to the ear, far from disagreeable. 
The manner of salutation used amongst the Arabs is particularly 
striking, and certainly not ungraceful. Friends on meeting, seize 
each the right hand of the other, then loosen and apply the tips of 
their fingers to their mouths, afterwards laying the open hand on 
the heart, they press it and gently incline the head at the same 
time. Very intimate acquaintances mutually lift their joined right 
hands in such a manner that each kisses the back of the other's 
hand, repeating with the greatest rapidity, " How are you ? well, 
how are you? Thank God, how are you? God bless you, how are 
you ?" which compliments in a well bred man never last less than 
ten minutes ; and whatevej' may be the conversation afterwards, it 
is a mark of great good breeding occasionally to interrupt it, bowing 
solemnly and asking, " How are you ?" though an answer to the 
question is by no means considered necessary, as he who asks it is 
perhaps looking another way, and thinking of something else. I 
must not omit to mention a particular instance of good breeding 
which I met with amongst these people : a man begged me one 
day to reach him a piece of straw which lay near me, that he might 
take out of a cup of water a bird which had fallen into it. I per- 
ceived, however, that it was only a Fly ; and was afterwards in- 
formed that they consider it disrespectful to make use of the word 
Fly in presence of a superior. 
The questions asked and observations made by some of the 
inland Arabs respecting our country were very curious ; amongst 
other extraordinary fancies, they have an idea, originating in the 
name given to the Atlantic, Bahr el blem, jCUill^b, sea of darkness, 
that we have no Sun or Moon in the countries which are in the sea, 
