Page:On the Desert - Recent Events in Egypt.djvu/320

 

THE DEAD SEA AND THE JORDAN — JERICHO.

At Bethlehem we were within six miles of Jerusalem, but we did not enter it that day, nor yet on the morrow: for Dr. Post, who is familiar with the geography of the country, suggested that it would be an economy of time, and of our facilities of travel, while we had our horses and mules and complete camp equipage, to make a detour to the Dead Sea and the Jordan, an excursion of two or three days; so that on reaching Jerusalem, we could dismiss our rather expensive retinue, and give ourselves up to seeing the sights of the Holy City. Accordingly we despatched Yohanna with all speed to Jerusalem for our letters, while we were seeing Bethlehem, and in the afternoon took horse for the Dead Sea. Hardly were we in the saddle before we sprang off again: for we had come to the famous well by the gate of Bethlehem, of which David, who had often tasted its sweetness, so desired to drink that his three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, at the peril of their lives, to bring him a draught. To this well the daughters of Bethlehem still come to fill the jars which they balance so gracefully on their shoulders. One was even now at the place, and at our request drew up water from the well and gave us to drink. It was a trifling incident, but a pleasant one, thus to have water given us to drink from the Well of David at the hand of a maiden of the Hill Country.

Keeping on our way, we soon left Bethlehem behind.