Page:The Nestorians and their rituals, volume 1.djvu/79

Rh unveiled, enveloped in a large white or blue sheet, (I can call it by no other name, as my lady readers would not understand the native word tcertcef,) which envelops the whole person, and is drawn over the head or face as much as convenience or modesty may dictate. Wide yellow boots form part of the ordinary walking attire, but these are laid aside in the house for neat fantastic slippers, in the choice of which the Eastern dames are as fastidious as the most fashionable belles in Europe.

One word upon the general character of the people of this city. A popular Arabic adage when translated runs thus: "In Diarbekir there are black stones, black dogs, and black hearts." The latter attribute I declare to be set down in malice; for though perhaps less refined and cultivated in their tastes than the natives of Syria and Baghdad, they are equally courteous and hospitable, and happily free from a laxity of morals which I am sorry to say has been introduced into those parts chiefly by Europeans.