Page:Beckford - Vathek (1816).djvu/267

(257)

Bats, in those countries, were very abundant; and, both from their numbers and size, held in abhorrence. See what is related of them by Thevenot, Part I. p. 132, 3. Egmont and Hayman, vol. II. p. 87, and other travellers in the East.

This word (which is prefixed to every chapter of the Koran, except the ninth) signifies, "in the name of the most merciful God."—It became not the initiatory formula of prayer, till the time of Moez the Fatimitc. D'Herbelot, p. 326.

This kind of moving throne, though more common, at present, than in the days of Vathek, is still confined to persons of the highest rank.

The use of perfumed waters for the purpose of bathing is of an early origin in the East, where every odoriferous plant breathes a richer