often be seen in the streets of Jaffa going from shop to shop neighing. Sheikh Ibrahim Abu Rabah', originally from Beit Dejan, now one of the notables of Jaffa, is Khalify of the four Orders of Derwishes, i.e., he can deliver the diplomas. He has the power to work miracles; as already mentioned, his mare fought in the Turco-Russian War. Many Derwishes also, as grey falcons, used to hover above the Turkish army, and catch the shells or musket-balls as they flew. The general idea of these Derwishes, and the reason why they exist, is that they may not sin. By wearing bad clothing, being absorbed in prayer, having no earthly comfort, and going about asking alms, they are supposed to keep their souls pure, and the more welies, nebies, and holy places they visit, the more they have "merit before God," اجر عند لله
A Derwish in my service was trying to qualify himself for becoming a wandering Derwish. But he was irascible, and that would not do for a good Derwish. He was fond of arms and shooting; but extinguishing life, even that of a caterpillar, was sinful in a Derwish. He was also fond of good dress, and was sorry for it. He went twice on foot from Jaffa to Bagdad to visit as many welies as possible, and he hoped, by the grace of 'Abd el Kader, in Bagdad, to become converted. On one trip he was absent eight months, suffered hunger and thirst and fatigue through the Syrian desert, even wore bad clothing in the time of his pilgrimage, never omitted the five regular prayers and his own voluntary prayers, but after all returned to his passions—good clothing, bearing arms, and ill-temper. The poor fellow was much perplexed about it, and told me he could be no real good Derwish as long as he did not put aside all these sins, that he knew Derwishes who even let themselves be beaten without reply. He even went further and said the 38th to 42nd verses of the fifth chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel seem to be wholly written for, and ought to be kept by, a real Derwish. A Derwish is never completely sanctified till he has done all, and then he may even see angels. Angels communicate with and minister to Derwishes. They have shining faces, as the full moon, and have green veils, but this is a secret which may not be divulged. A Derwish who had regular visions, invited another Derwish in Ramleh to come and see in what company he passed his time. When alone on his way home the spectator thought to tell what he had seen, but on beginning, was struck dumb, became insane and died, and the first one soon died also, because
swallowing live spiders for ague, drinking the warm blood of a slain gladiator for epilepsy, as described by Cornelius Celsus, and perhaps the supposed efficacy of the royal touch of the pious King Edward and his successors for the "Kynge's Evyll." The chain with which patients are bound to a pillar in the church at el Khŭdr (St. George) is, perhaps, that which was shown to Felix Fabri in the fifteenth century as the chain with which St. George had been bound. Brother Felix narrates that he and his companions put it round their necks out of devotion. It is (or was when I last saw it) still fastened by means of a large ring round the neck of the sufferer.]
