DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11638#0059
AND LOWER EGYPT. 45
along those two chains of mountains with which
the Nile is bordered, and sometimes straitened.
The inhabitants, too grossly ignorant to compre-
hend those means with which the arts supplied
their ancestors, ascribe these excavations to de-
mons. Superstition produces similar effects upon
the most opposite characters ; for the missionary
Vansleb appeared to agree in opinion with the
then natives of Egypt; it seemed equally impos-
sible to him that human beings could dig such ca-
vities ; but he subjoins to his opinion this pious
mollification, that the devils were forced to become
such good workmen by means of exorcisms*. Oa
the other hand, the Christian legend beholds in
that immense number of grottoes in the moun-
tains of Thebai's only the solitary retreats of holy
hermits, whose indolence was but poorly disguised
under the mask of contemplation ; a fine-sounding
word, but totally devoid of meaning, when it is
applied to the life led by beings of this sort.
THe mosque of the village in the neighbour-
hood of Antinoe, and whose aspect and population
form so striking a contrast with the superb build-
ings and the urbanity of the ancient city built by
Adrian, contains the tomb and the relics of a saint
who has given to this place his name of Sheick
Abade. But, what is truly diverting, while the
* Nouvelle Relation d'Egypte, page 384.
Mahometans
along those two chains of mountains with which
the Nile is bordered, and sometimes straitened.
The inhabitants, too grossly ignorant to compre-
hend those means with which the arts supplied
their ancestors, ascribe these excavations to de-
mons. Superstition produces similar effects upon
the most opposite characters ; for the missionary
Vansleb appeared to agree in opinion with the
then natives of Egypt; it seemed equally impos-
sible to him that human beings could dig such ca-
vities ; but he subjoins to his opinion this pious
mollification, that the devils were forced to become
such good workmen by means of exorcisms*. Oa
the other hand, the Christian legend beholds in
that immense number of grottoes in the moun-
tains of Thebai's only the solitary retreats of holy
hermits, whose indolence was but poorly disguised
under the mask of contemplation ; a fine-sounding
word, but totally devoid of meaning, when it is
applied to the life led by beings of this sort.
THe mosque of the village in the neighbour-
hood of Antinoe, and whose aspect and population
form so striking a contrast with the superb build-
ings and the urbanity of the ancient city built by
Adrian, contains the tomb and the relics of a saint
who has given to this place his name of Sheick
Abade. But, what is truly diverting, while the
* Nouvelle Relation d'Egypte, page 384.
Mahometans