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drawn aside by the researches of the traveller. It seems to be a
maxim with them to adopt the religious practices of the country
in which they reside, and to profess the creed of the strongest.
Hence they all profess Islamism in Syria ; and even those who
have been baptised on account of their alliance with the Shehab
family, still practise the exterior forms of the Mohammedan faith.
There is no truth in the assertion that the Druses go one day to
the mosque, and the next to the church. They all profess Islamism, ¬
and whenever they mix with Mohammedans they perform -
the rites prescribed by their religion. In private, however,
they break the fast of Ramadhan, curse Mohammed, indulge
in wine, and eat food forbidden by the Koran. They bear an
inveterate hatred to all religions except their own, but more particularly ¬
to that of the Franks, chiefly in consequence of a tradition
current among them that the Europeans will one day overthrow
their commonwealth : this hatred has been increased since the
invasion of the French, and the most unpardonable insult which
one Druse can offer to another, is to say to him “ May God put
a hat on you!” Allah yelebesak borneita ().
Nothing is more sacred with a Druse than his public reputation :
he will overlook an insult if known only to him who has offered it ;
and will put up with blows where his interest is concerned, provided ¬
nobody is a witness; but the slightest abuse given in public
he revenges with the greatest fury. This is the most remarkable
feature of the national character: in public a Druse may appear
honourable ; but he is easily tempted to a contrary behaviour when
he has reason to think that his conduct will remain undiscovered.
The ties of blood and friendship have no power amongst them ;
the son no sooner attains the years of maturity than he begins to
plot against his father. Examples are not wanting of their assailing ¬
the chastity of their mothers, and towards their sisters such
Dd
