Page:Islam, Turkey, and Armenia, and How They Happened.djvu/164

face Satans, you are in a hurry, not because you love me, but because you are dying to slip away one minute earlier; may Allah grant that you may be paralyzed in your houses and be unable to come here again. Bring the pitcher this side. * * * 'I seek refuge by Allah from Satan the accursed' (don't disturb my mind children, if I rehearse wrong the sin will be upon your necks), * * * 'in the name of Allah, the most merciful' (Ahmet, open the doors of the mosque)." * * * By this solemn ceremony, mixed with prayer and remarks to the children, the pious teacher finishes his sacred washing, and turns again to the children: "Now I will send you to 'noon-bread,' but I have some special notices: first, do not forget to bring portions to your teacher of what good dishes you may have at your table; bring also any kind of fruits, your aunt (teacher's wife) is not very well, and she will like to have some fruits. And the next thing I am going to order you is that you must keep still in your houses and not disturb your mothers. You see that small bird up that tree? It always brings me news what mischief you do in your houses and tells it secretly to my ear. Now I can tell you all what you did last evening, but for this time I will forgive you, and watch your conduct for the next time; you have to come back very soon and sweep the mosque for to-morrow, which is holy Friday you know. Look here, I am spitting upon the ground, and you be sure to be back before it dries; go now and keep in your mind what I have said."