160 THE HOLY LAND. 
CHAP. About half way between Scphoury and 
'^ — r— ' Nazareth, as we ascended a hill, two very 
singular figures met us on horseback, exciting 
no inconsiderable mirth among the English 
members of our caravan, in spite of all their 
endeavours to suppress it. These were, the 
worthy Superiors of the Franciscan Monastery 
in Nazareth ; two meagre little men, in long 
black cassocks, having hats upon their heads 
of the size of an ordinary umbrella. It is 
impossible to give an idea of the ludicrous 
appearance they made, sitting beneath these 
enormous hats, with their knees quite up to 
their chins, as they descended the hill towards 
us. They had been informed of our approach 
by a party of Arahs, who had proceeded, by 
a different road, with our camels of burden ; 
and were therefore kindly coming to meet us. 
Alarm of Tlicv soou couvcrtcd our mirth to orravity, by 
the Plague. "^ , . . 
informing us that the plague raged, with 
considerable fury, both in their convent, and 
in the town; but as the principal danger was 
said to be in the convent, our curiosity super- 
seded all apprehension, and M^e resolved to 
pass the night in one of the houses of the 
place. These monks informed us, that we 
might safely venture, provided we were cau- 
tious in avoiding contact with suspected 
