did not become known till Ibrahîm's departure from ’Akka, after the overthrow of the Egyptian Government in Syria, in 1840."
Several similar anecdotes were related while preparations for dinner were being made. A large circular tray was brought in, and placed on a stand, raised about six inches from the matted floor, in the middle of the room. Our kawass, and the servants and attendants of the guests, acted as waiters. They bustled backward and forward across the court, from the door of the kitchen to the table, which was soon covered with steaming, yellow mounds of rice, crowned with limbs of fowls and morsels of lamb. A large wooden bowl—containing a medley of rice, minced mutton, raisins, pine-seeds, and butter—stood in the center, and was surrounded by plates of vegetables.
After water had been poured on our hands, we gathered round the board, and took our places, in Oriental fashion, on the floor. A damask napkin, about half a yard wide and ten yards long, was passed round in front of the assembled guests, and rested on their knees. Its gold embroidered and fringed ends met where I was seated, between our host, Daûd Tannûs, and my brother. Flat cakes, or loaves of bread, were distributed, and we ate in primitive style, for neither knives, nor forks, nor spoons appeared. Deep impressions were soon made in the mounds of rice, and by degrees the dishes were carried away, and replaced by others, containing sweet starch and creams, stewed apricots, and preserves.
We left the table, one after another, and performed the customary ablutions in due order. When we had reseated ourselves on the divan, coffee and pipes were served, and lamps were lighted. The table was carried out into the open court, and two or three bowls of rice being added to the dishes we had left, the numerous attendants and servants of the house took their evening meal there together by lantern-light, forming a study for a Rembrandt.
I went into an adjoining room for a few minutes, to see
