Vol.I - The Coptic Orthodox Church

CH. vii.] Desert Monasteries. 327
Our guide and herald, deputed by the patriarch,
had gone on some way before us : and when on
mounting the last ridge we sighted the monastery,
dark figures were faintly visible upon the distant
parapets. As we neared, the monks descended, and
stood grouped in clear relief outside, under the white
walls of their fortress. When we were within two
hundred yards of the gate, the monks advanced
towards us with waving banners. They kissed. our
hands as we dismounted : then formed a procession
in front of us, and advanced chaunting psalms and
Fig. 24. Dair al Baramus .
beating cymbals and triangles, while the great bell
of the convent clashed out a tumultuous welcome.
At the narrow doorway the banners were lowered,
and we bent our heads ; but the bell still boomed,
and the chaunt continued, as we marched across the;
courtyard to the church of Al Baramus. There a
service of song was held in rejoicing for our safe
arrival ; and when it was ended the abbot read an,
address of welcome such as is customary to read on.
1 The above woodcut is borrowed from Sonnini with trifling
corrections.