[208]. Though his territory has been greatly lessened since the above was written, his power in Egypt remains nearly the same.
[209]. The government of Egypt, from the period of the conquest of this country by the Arabs, has been nearly the same as it is at present in its influence upon the manners and customs and character of the inhabitants; and I therefore do not deem an historical retrospect necessary to the illustration of this work. It should, however, be mentioned that the people of Egypt are not now allowed to indulge in that excessive fanatical rudeness with which they formerly treated unbelievers; and hence European travellers have one great cause for gratitude to Mohammad ’Alee. Restraint may, at first, increase, but will probably, in the course of time, materially diminish the feeling of fanatical intolerance.
[210]. “Khideewee” is a relative adjective formed from the Turkish “Khideev,” which signifies “a prince.”
[211]. Thus pronounced in Egypt, but more properly “Kyáhya,” or “Ketkhud′a.”
[212]. A very arbitrary power is often exercised in this and similar courts, and the proceedings are conducted with little decorum. Many Turkish officers, even of the highest rank, make use of language far too disgusting for me to mention, towards persons brought before them for judgment, and towards those who appeal to them for justice.
[213]. He used to arrive in Cairo in the beginning of Ramadán; but the beginning of the first month, Moharram, has of late been fixed upon, instead of the former period.
[214]. The Egyptian piaster is now equivalent to the fifth part of a shilling, or 2¼d.
[215]. This law is borrowed from the Jews. See Deut. xix. 15.—A man may refuse to give his testimony.
[216]. A purse is the sum of five hundred piasters, and was then equivalent to nearly seven pounds sterling, but is now equal to only five pounds.
[217]. In the singular “’A′lim.” This title is more particularly given to a professor of jurisprudence. European writers generally use the plural form of this appellation for the singular.