Mullah: “It is evident that he does not know much about theology, seeing he cannot answer such simple questions as the colour and shape of faith.”
At this time I did not know that the Muhammadans ascribed such concrete qualities to all their abstract religious ideas.
Mullah: “Do you know anything about astronomy?”
I thought that here at least my knowledge might not be far inferior to that of this Mullah, and said:
“Yes, I think I can answer you any questions on that subject.”
Mullah: “Tell me, then, what becomes of the sun when it sinks below the horizon every evening?”
I then proceeded to as simple and lucid an explanation as I could of the revolutions of the earth on its axis, but could see from the looks and ejaculations of the audience that they thought the idea rather a mad one.
The Mullah himself made no effort to conceal his contempt, and said:
“That, then, is all you know about it?”
A little nettled, I said: