SONGS OF THE SAILORS. 513 with a voice so strong and cheery that it rang from shore to shore. As I was unable to write or read, I sat on deck, with the hoy Hossayn at my elbow to replenish the pipe as occasion required, and listened to the songs of the sailors. Their repertory was so large that I was unable to exhaust it during -the voyage. One of their favorite songs was in irregular trochaic lines, consisting of alternate questions and answers, such as " ed-dookan el-liboodeh fayn ? '" (where's the shop of the cotton caps ?) sung by the leader, to which the chorus responded : " Baliari Luxor beshwoytayn." (A little to the northward of Luxor). Another favorite chorus was : Imlalimlal-imlalee ! " (Fill, fill, fill to me !) Many of the songs were of too broad a character to be translated, but there were two of a more refined nature, and these, from the mingled passion, tenderness and melancholy of the airs to which they were sung, became great favorites of mine.* * I give the following translations of these two songs, as nearly literal as possible : I.

Look at me with your eyes, 0 gazelle, 0 gazelle I The blossom ofj your cheeks is dear to me ; your breasts burst the silk of your vest ; I cannot loose the shawl about yoxir waist ; it sinks into your soft waist. Who possesses you is blessed by heaven. Look at me with your eyes, O gazelle, 0 gazelle ! Your forehead is like the moon ; your face is fairer than all the flowers of the garden ; your bed is of diamonds ; he is richer than a King who can sleep thereon. Look at me with your eyes, 0 gazelle, 0 gazelle !

II.

0 night, 0 night — 0 darling, I lie on the sands. I languish for the light of your face ; if you do not have pity on me, I shall die.

0 night, 0 night — 0 darling, I lie on the sands. I have changed color, 22*