carpets. On the left, as we entered, we saw the tomb containing the relics of St. 
Catherine, which were said to have been transported by angels, after her martyrdom 
at Alexandria, to the summit of Mount Sinai, whence they were brought down by 
the Monks to their present resting-place, and where they have ever since been held 
in the most profound veneration .” 1 
1 Roberts’s Journal 
SUMMIT OF MOUNT SINAI. 
SHOWING THE CHRISTIAN AND MAHOMETAN CHAPELS. 
Those Chapels are placed on what is traditionally regarded as the summit of Sinai, 
but the peak distinguished as Mount St. Catherine has a greater elevation. The 
ascent from the Convent employs about two hours, and the spectator is rewarded 
by a scene of the most striking magnificence. Around, beneath, and above, all is 
grandeur; he stands as in the Alps, in the midst of a region of Mountains; but with 
a feature of beauty wanting in the Alps — the expanse of a brilliant sea, a part of 
the Gulf of Akabah being in sight. The Chapels on the summit are in singular 
juxtaposition (Christian and Mahometan), apparently one structure (that on the right 
in the View is the Christian, the left the Mahometan); but both in a state of ruin 
from neglect and exposure to the storm. 
The Mountain is held sacred by the Mahometans; for the legend tells, that when 
the Prophet rode on the sacred Camel to Ararat and back in one night, he rested, 
in passing, on Sinai, and the mark of the Burack, or Camel’s foot, where it touched 
the mountain, is still shown by his followers. The Artist, having heard this tradition, 
asked his guide from the Convent to point it out to him; but the holy brother of 
St. Catherine did his bidding very reluctantly . 1 It is a few yards below, and beyond, 
the Chapel to the right. It has the exact form, and is not larger than the impression 
which the foot of a camel would make. Mai’ks, thus connected with fable, are not 
infrequent in religious legend. On the summit of a Ceylonese mountain, the shape 
of a gigantic foot is an object of native homage, as exhibiting the parting step of 
Adam! The freaks of Nature are easily seized by fancy or modified by art; and 
the Mahometan is as much entitled to the exercise of his imagination as the Monk. 
1 Roberts’s Journal. 
