They Pray In The Chaldean Tongue; And Are Very Ignorant, But As I Was Informed They Are Desirous Of Being Instructed In The Doctrines And Ceremonies Of The Romish Church, Which They Confess To Be Alone Good And Worthy Of Being Followed.

The men have names like us, as John, Peter, Andrew, &c. that of the women being generally Mary.

The manner of life of these people is singular, as they have no king, governor, prelate, or other person in authority, but live in a manner like wild beasts, without any rule, or order of justice or policy[266].

[Footnote 264: Don Juan omits all mention of the island of Abdal Kuria, about nine leagues E.S.E. of Socotora, with two intersposed small islands, called Las Duas Hermanas or the Two Sisters. - E.]

[Footnote 265: Probably meaning no images or Christian idols. - E.]

[Footnote 266: Since then they have been subdued by the Arabs. - Astl.]

In the whole island there is no city or great town, and most of the people dwell in caves, though some have small thatched cottages, separated from each other, more savage than pastoral. Their food is flesh and wild dates, and their drink chiefly milk, as they taste water but seldom. They are much devoted to the cross, and you will hardly meet a single individual without one hanging from the neck. Their dispositions are good; their persons tall and straight, their faces comely but swarthy, the women being somewhat fairer, and of very honest behaviour.

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