NAZARETH TO TIBERIAS. 207 
inclination to Mohammedanism is not true, because chap. 
they shew every mark of hatred and contempt s. y- / 
for the Moslems, and behave with great bene- 
volence and friendship to the Christians, whose 
religion they respect". In their language they 
are Arabs ; in every thing else, a distinct race 
of men^ There is nothing more remarkable 
than their physiognomy, which is not that of an 
Arab. From this circumstance alone, we were, 
at any time, able to select one of the Druses 
from the midst of a party of Arabs. A certain 
nobleness and dignity of feature, a marked 
elevation of countenance, and superior deport- 
ment, always distinguished them ; accompanied 
by openness, sincerity, and very engaging- 
manners*. From this brief account of a people 
worship. I conclude, therefore, that their dogmas are impenetrable 
mysteries." MaritVs Travels, vol. II. p. 26. Lnnd. 1791. 
(2) Mariti's Travels, vol. II. p. 25. 
(3) Paul Lucas, speaking of the Maronitcs, says, Their language is 
Arabic in conversation, but in writing they use the Syriac and Chaldaic 
characters. It does not therefore follow, from their Arabic language 
alone, that the Maronites of Si/ria, any more than the Druses, are neces- 
sarily Arabs. " lis parlent Arabe ; mais leurs caracteres sont Si/riaques 
eu Chalda'iques." Voyage du Sieur Paul Lucas, torn. I. p. 304. 
Amst. 1744. 
(4) I have seen nothing to remind me of the appearance presented by 
the Druses, excepting an engraving in Lord Vnlentius Travels, from a 
drawing by Mr. Salt, representing Abijsiinians resting on a march. (&e 
vol. III. p. 109. Lond. 1809.) Tlie two figures, seated upon the right 
haxiA of that group, in white cloaks, whose faces are exhibited in profile, 
bear a striking resemblance to the Druses we saw in Syria. 
