LETTERS. 425 
Either from mount Sinai, where the Grecian 
Monks have delightful orchards full of the fined 
apple and pear-trees, whence without doubt the 
fined varieties we have in Europe werefirft brought. 
According to all appearance, I lhail remain 
in Egypt all the winter, though I could wifti to 
leave tins land of flavery as Toon as poffible. It 
is very difagreeable to travel in Egypt. This 
country is governed by rebels who have been 
(laves 5 it may therefore be eafily imagined, what 
order and police is kept up here -, a Chriftian can 
fcarcely be more defpifed, and worfe treated in any 
place than this. 1 think no affront can be more 
grating, than that a Chriftian is not permitted to 
ride on any creature but an afs ; and to encreafe 
the affront, muft alight from his afs when he meets 
one, who was perhaps a few days before a rob- 
ber, but for his (kill in murdering, is made com- 
mander in a place over a number of rebellious 
foldiers. This is our cafe daily, and to avoid all 
the trouble to which we are expofed, we muft live 
as it were in a kind of civil arreft, keeping within 
our chambers, and when we intend to go out in 
the town or country, commit ourfelves to the 
hands of foldiers, who conduft us with ftaffs and 
pikes through their villainous brethren. So that 
to travel to Cairo, and live there for fome time, 
is like doing penance for crimes. I am however, 
always in a merry humour, and the fingular life 
of Cairo gives me frequent opportunities for va- 
rious pleafant reflections, which pafs the time away. 
It is poffible I may this winter, have an op- 
portunity of travelling to Upper Egypt, in com- 
pany with fome Englilh gentlemen, who are ex- 
pected hither. If it happens, I am fure it will 
amply reward my labour. 
A a 
I INTEND 
