L E B A D E A. 149 
upon the top of which there is a piece of soap. chap. 
An exhibition rather of a revolting nature, how- ', , > 
ever cleanly, then succeeds. Having made a 
lather with the soap, they fill their mouths with 
it, and squirt it, mixed with saliva, into the bason. 
The ladies of the family also do the same; 
lathering their lips and teeth; and displaying 
their arms, during the operation of the washing, 
with studied attitudes, and a great deal of af- 
fectation ; as if taught to consider the moments 
of ablution as a time when they may appear to 
most advantage. Then the master of the house 
takes his seat at the circular tray, his wife sitting 
by his side ; and stripping his arms quite bare, 
by turning back the sleeves of his tunic towards 
his shoulders, he serves out the soup and the 
meat. Only one dish is placed upon the table 
at the same time. If it contain butcher's meat or 
poultry, he tears it into pieces with his fingers. 
During meals, the meat is always torn with the 
fingers. Knives and spoons are little used, and 
they are never changed. When meat or fish 
is brought in, the host squeezes a lemon over 
the dish. The room all this while is filled with 
girls belonging to the house, and other menial 
attendants, all with their feet naked ; also a mixed 
company of priests, physicians, and strangers, society 
visiting the family. All these persons are 
