The spectacle was a very striking one; and it was followed by the observance of another yet more touching. At dusk the village children, walking two and two, and each carrying a bunch of wild flowers, drew near the cistern in their turn; and sang, to one of the thrilling melodies of the country, a hymn of supplication; while at the conclusion of each stanza, they scattered a portion of the blossoms over the shattered fragments of the vases flung into the basin by the Dervishes.
Nothing could be more affecting! Man, shrinking under a consciousness of his unworthiness, put his prayer into the mouth of innocent infancy; as though he trusted to the supplication uttered by pure lips and guileless hearts, when he dared not hope for mercy through his own agency. Every evening during the drought, that “linked chain” of childhood repaired to the same spot, and raised the same song of entreaty to an all-powerful Creator; and the echoes of the Valley flung back the infant voices of the choir as they swelled upon the wind of evening with a pathos which affected me to tears. It was only on the day preceding that of our departure from Constantinople that the prayer was answered; and, as the light vapoury rain fell upon the parched and yawning earth, my thought instantly reverted to the infant choristers of the Sweet Waters; whose artless hymn may be freely translated as follows:—
Allah! Father! hear us; Our souls are faint and weak: A cloud is on our mother’s brow, And a tear upon her cheek. We fain would chase that cloud away, And dry that sadd’ning tear; For this it is to-night we pray— Allah! Father! hear.
We seek the cooling fountain, Alas! we seek in vain; The cloud that crowns the mountain Melts not away in rain. The stream is shrunk which through our plain Once glided bright and clear; Oh! ope the secret springs again— Allah! Father! hear.
We bring thee flowers, sweet flowers, All withered in their prime; No moisture glistens on their leaves, They sickened ere their time. And we like them shall pass away Ere wintry days are near; Shouldst thou not hearken as we pray— Allah! Father! hear.
A Greek Marriage—The Day before the Bridal—The Wedding Garments—Cachemires—Ceremony of Reception—The Golden Tresses—Early Hours of the Greek Church—Love of the Greek Women for Finery—The Bridal Procession—The Marriage—The Nuptial Crowns—Greek Funerals.