But Now My Poor Dromedary, By Whose Life And Strength I Held My
Own, Began To Show Signs Of Distress:
A thick, clammy, and
glutinous kind of foam gathered about her lips, and piteous sobs
burst from her bosom in the tones of human misery.
I doubted for a
moment whether I would give her a little rest, a relaxation of
pace, but I decided that I would not, and continued to push forward
as steadily as before.
The character of the country became changed. I had ridden away
from the level tracts, and before me now, and on either side, there
were vast hills of sand and calcined rocks, that interrupted my
progress and baffled my doubtful road, but I did my best. With
rapid steps I swept round the base of the hills, threaded the
winding hollows, and at last, as I rose in my swift course to the
crest of a lofty ridge, Thalatta! Thalatta! by Jove! I saw the
sea!
My tongue can tell where to find a clue to many an old pagan creed,
because that (distinctly from all mere admiration of the beauty
belonging to nature's works) I acknowledge a sense of mystical
reverence when first I look, to see some illustrious feature of the
globe - some coast-line of ocean, some mighty river or dreary
mountain range, the ancient barrier of kingdoms. But the Red Sea!
It might well claim my earnest gaze by force of the great Jewish
migration which connects it with the history of our own religion.
From this very ridge, it is likely enough, the panting Israelites
first saw that shining inlet of the sea.
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