DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6552#0118
92 OPERATIONS CARRIED ON AT GIZEII.
and comparative duration of the surrounding objects, the
world of moving sand, the vast masses of the ruined
causeway, the desert mountains, and the enduring pyra-
mids established upon them — the silent witnesses of suc-
cessive and countless generations long since passed away,
and forgotten — and the most antient and wonderful mo-
numents of human skill, that seem to set at defiance the
effects of time, and almost to rival in extent and solidity
the productions of nature. The spectacle had also to me
an additional interest, from the conviction that I was on
the point of leaving for ever this wonderful place.
The Shereef received us in an open tent, in which
several people were assembled. In the course of conver-
sation he expressed a desire to see Mr. Andrews's draw-
ings. They were accordingly sent for. He understood
them much better than I expected, and even pointed out
the portraits of several persons whom he had casually
seen.
After some time had elapsed, preparations were made
for dinner, by laying down two horses' hides upon the
ground before us, and by placing upon them a quantity of
Arab bread, which served for plates as well as for food.0
The guests, having washed their hands, seated themselves,
and begun their repast without further ceremony. I
observed upon this, and upon other occasions, that the
left hand was concealed, and that only the right was in
general employed. Wooden spoons were provided for
each person. Dishes composed of meat, vegetables, and
sweatmeats, in all sorts of basins, cups, and plates, were
8 The antiquity of this custom is proved by the interpretation given
to the denunciations of the Harpy, in the seventh book of the ./Eneid.
and comparative duration of the surrounding objects, the
world of moving sand, the vast masses of the ruined
causeway, the desert mountains, and the enduring pyra-
mids established upon them — the silent witnesses of suc-
cessive and countless generations long since passed away,
and forgotten — and the most antient and wonderful mo-
numents of human skill, that seem to set at defiance the
effects of time, and almost to rival in extent and solidity
the productions of nature. The spectacle had also to me
an additional interest, from the conviction that I was on
the point of leaving for ever this wonderful place.
The Shereef received us in an open tent, in which
several people were assembled. In the course of conver-
sation he expressed a desire to see Mr. Andrews's draw-
ings. They were accordingly sent for. He understood
them much better than I expected, and even pointed out
the portraits of several persons whom he had casually
seen.
After some time had elapsed, preparations were made
for dinner, by laying down two horses' hides upon the
ground before us, and by placing upon them a quantity of
Arab bread, which served for plates as well as for food.0
The guests, having washed their hands, seated themselves,
and begun their repast without further ceremony. I
observed upon this, and upon other occasions, that the
left hand was concealed, and that only the right was in
general employed. Wooden spoons were provided for
each person. Dishes composed of meat, vegetables, and
sweatmeats, in all sorts of basins, cups, and plates, were
8 The antiquity of this custom is proved by the interpretation given
to the denunciations of the Harpy, in the seventh book of the ./Eneid.