115 
have got the better of the spirit of the religion; so that the 
Mussulman who daily performs the number of prostra- 
tions and rikats prescribed by the law, is looked upon 
as a good Mussulman, whatever be his morality; he will 
even be raised to the dignity of a saint if he goes so far 
as to exceed the number of prayers and fasts comman- 
ded by their religion, though his behaviour should be 
even that of a reprobate, as I have known many of them. 
The veneration for the sepulchres of the saints has some 
useful result; because these chapels serve as asylums for 
innocence against the attempts of despotism; but they un- 
fortunately also yield a shelter to criminals who ought 
to be driven from society. The veneration for the in- 
sane is also very charitable, as it serves to protect their 
miserable existence; but it gives rise to numberless ac- 
tions which are contrary to public morality. The saffis 
or talismans, relics, chaplets, repeaters of prayers for the 
sick, or for things lost, &c. are all pious cheats, which 
tarnish the pure deism of Mouhhammed. But every 
worship on earth has been affected by the cupidity of 
Charlatans, or by the timid imbecility of the people<> 
Fortunately, in this country, such troops of monks* 
that is of der wishes, are not to be met with as are seen all 
over Turkey. 
3 
CHAPTER XL 
Scherifs of Muley Edris. — Entry -of the sultan into Fez.— Intrigues of the astro- 
loger. — Ali Bey's triumph. — Departure of the sultan. — Eclipse. 
We have already mentioned that the ashes of Mul&i 
Edris, founder of this empire, are venerated in their 
sanctuary at Fez, where his descendants are established* 
