Page:Some account of the town of Zanzibar.djvu/19

 over the hands, as we read of Elisha's pouring water on the hands of Elijah. Then they lie down and have a doze. Between three and four the man dresses himself with his best care and scents himself, if he be at all a dandy, and, taking his stick or his rosary in his hand, goes out to make the grand round of his friends' houses, looking very picturesque in his turban and long flowing garments. Those who do not go out sit on their own barazas, and generally have a supply of coffee ready for all comers of sufficient standing, this is drunk, without milk or sugar, in a very small cup without a handle, set into another cup, or, among very great people, in a small filagree stand, to avoid burning one's fingers. In formal visits sherbet is also served, which is, for the most part, nothing but French syrup diluted with water. If any one receives you with great affection, a long-necked silver bottle is brought and you are sprinkled or even deluged with rose water or some other cheap scent.

About sunset the man goes home again, performs his sunset prayers, and has another meal of the same kind as before, he and those that are with him dipping with their hands out of the common dish. During the course of the day he has bathed once or twice, by having water poured over him. When it is well dark it is his wife's turn to go out, and so the day is ended.

The inversions of our European customs are very curious: not only do people take off their shoes instead of their hats, but it is the highest praise you can give anyone to say that he is a slow man with a cold heart; a man, that is, who is neither hot nor hasty in his temper, and whose heart is like a piece of ice, the most delightful