Wilson, Robert Thomas: The British expedition to Egypt: carefully abridged in two parts (London, 1803)

Here it is to be observed,, that the com-
batants, frequently pretending to be hit and
unhorsed from repeated blows, would ac-
cordingly fall on the ground. Several Turks
in this situation, Sir R. Wilson observes,
could not help looking at the British officers,
who were quizzing them by lolling out their
tongues, &c. But this ridicule of theirs,
though at first noticed with some displeasure
by the Captain Pacha, was afterwards ex-
cused, as he could only apologize for the
appearance of a fool, an after-performer in
this ceremony, from the custom of his
country.
The fool here alluded to, in the midst of
this grotesque piece of mummery, is per-
mitted to ride into the circle mounted on a
wretched horse with a bell round its neck;
he is himself quite naked; and, having a
bunch of straws in his hand, in imitation of
javelins, is allowed to throw them against the
Vizir, and him only, as if no other person
were worthy of his attention ; and, at the
conclusion of this ceremony, the Vizir pre-
sented the fool with a handful of sequins.
Here it should be observed that Egyptian
fuols, especially at Cairo, have many privi-
leges. And, as even their children are con-
sidered as peculiar favorites of heaven, the
most virtuous women have no scruple to in-
dulge them in any liberties whatever; while
passengers, instead of disturbing them, pray
for a blessing on their junction.