in the
way, he or she is designated by the article on sale, as: "O oranges, to
the right!" or "O eggs, out of the way!" This, which sounds so odd, is
meant in good faith, and answers the desired purpose. No one calls out
in Arabic, addressing another, without prefixing some expletive. Thus
the dealer of sweetmeats drawls out: "In the name of the Prophet,
comfits." Even the beggar says: "O Christian, backsheesh!" as he leans
upon a crutch and extends his trembling hand. If you respond, all is
well; if not, your ears will be assailed by a jumble of Arabic, which,
if your guide faithfully translates to you, will probably be found to
signify a hearty wish that Allah may roast your grandfather.

The pyramids of Gizeh are situated about ten miles from Cairo, and after
crossing the Nile by a remarkable iron bridge, guarded at either end by
two bronze lions, are reached by a straight level road lined with
well-trimmed trees. This road terminates at a rocky plateau which serves
to give these wonderful structures an elevated site, as well as to form
a natural foundation for the enormous weight of solid stone to be
supported. There is always an importuning group of Arabs here, who live
upon the gratuities obtained from visitors, and they are so persistent
us to lead many people to employ them solely for the purpose of ending
their annoyance. These hangers-on assist people to ascend and descend
the pyramids for a fixed sum, or for a few shillings will run up and
down them like monkeys. On the way between Cairo and the pyramids,
through the long alley of acacias, we passed hundreds of camels bound to
the city, laden with green fodder, and newly cut clover, for stable use
in town. They do not employ carts; the backs of camels and donkeys
supersede the use of wheels.

Nothing new can be written about these monuments. Famous and hoary,
doting with age, the pyramids were disappointing to us,--not as to size,
for they are immense. Every one is familiar with the marvelous
statistics relating to them. But what do they really amount to? They
simply show, standing there upon the border of the desert, a vast
aggregate of labor performed by compulsion, and only exhibit the supreme
folly of the monarchs who thus vainly strove to erect monuments which
should defy all time and perpetuate their fame. Symbols of ancient
tyranny and injustice, tears, and death. To-day not even the names of
their founders are known. There are plausible suppositions