CHAP. I. 
TRIPOLI. 
9 
in abstaining from proscribed liquors, in avoiding improper or 
profane expressions, in being faithful to the limited number of 
wives (namely four), and in not intriguing with the wives of 
other men ; whilst in Tripoli such forbearance is by no means 
considered necessary. The Maraboots there, are of two classes : 
idiots, who are allowed to say and do whatever they please ; 
and men possessed of all their senses, who, by juggling and per- 
forming many bold and disgusting tricks, establish to themselves 
the exclusive right of being the greatest rogues and nuisances 
to be met with. There are mosques in which these people 
assemble every Friday afternoon, and where they eat snakes, scor- 
pions, &c. affecting to be inspired, and committing the greatest 
extravagancies. 
On the 9th of January, 1819, their annual festival began, and 
continued for three days, with all its barbarous ceremonies. On, or 
rather before this day, the great Maraboot is supposed to inspire 
those who are to appear in the processions, and who, according to 
their abilities, are more or less mad and furious. The natural 
fools are always ready for the exhibition ; and it is amusing to 
observe their looks of astonishment at being on that day, more 
than any other, brought into notice. During the tijne the Mara- 
boots (who are guarded and attended by a great number of people) 
are allowed to parade the streets, no Christians or Jews can with any 
safety make their appearance, as they would, if once in the power 
of these wretches, be instantly torn to pieces ; indeed, wherever 
they show themselves on their terraces or from windows, they are 
sure of a plentiful shower of stones from the boys who are in 
attendance. 
As I was in the dress of the country, and very anxious 
to witness the whole of the ceremonies, I ventured to go out 
with our Dragoman, and to make my way to the mosque from 
c 
