The Wedding Drum Continued To Beat, And The Women To
Sing, Or Rather Whistle, All Night.
About nine in the morning the
bride was brought in state from her mother's tent, attended by a
number
Of women who carried her tent (a present from the husband),
some bearing up the poles, others holding by the strings; and in
this manner they marched, whistling as formerly, until they came to
the place appointed for her residence, where they pitched the tent.
The husband followed, with a number of men, leading four bullocks,
which they tied to the tent strings; and having killed another, and
distributed the beef among the people, the ceremony was concluded.
CHAPTER XI - SUFFERINGS IN CAPTIVITY
One whole month had now elapsed since I was led into captivity,
during which time each returning day brought me fresh distresses. I
watched the lingering course of the sun with anxiety, and blessed
his evening beams as they shined a yellow lustre along the sandy
floor of my hut; for it was then that my oppressors left me, and
allowed me to pass the sultry night in solitude and reflection.
About midnight a bowl of kouskous, with some salt and water, were
brought for me and my two attendants. This was our common fare, and
it was all that was allowed us to allay the cravings of hunger and
support nature for the whole of the following day; for it is to be
observed that this was the Mohammedan Lent, and as the Moors keep
the fast with a religious strictness, they thought it proper to
compel me, though a Christian, to similar observance.
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