gigantic size, the length of his unshaven locks and beard, and
the fire of a deep-set and wild eye were rather attributes of a
soldier than of a recluse.

Even the Saracen seemed to regard the anchorite with some
veneration, while he was thus employed, and he whispered in a low
tone to Sir Kenneth, "The Hamako is now in his better mind, but
he will not speak until we have eaten--such is his vow."

It was in silence, accordingly, that Theodorick motioned to the
Scot to take his place on one of the low chairs, while Sheerkohf
placed himself, after the custom of his nation, upon a cushion of
mats. The hermit then held up both hands, as if blessing the
refreshment which he had placed before his guests, and they
proceeded to eat in silence as profound as his own. To the
Saracen this gravity was natural; and the Christian imitated his
taciturnity, while he employed his thoughts on the singularity of
his own situation, and the contrast betwixt the wild, furious
gesticulations, loud cries, and fierce actions of Theodorick,
when they first met him, and the demure, solemn, decorous
assiduity with which he now performed the duties of hospitality.

When their meal was ended, the hermit, who had not himself eaten
a morsel, removed the fragments from the table, and placing
before the Saracen a pitcher of sherbet, assigned to the Scot a
flask of wine.

"Drink," he said, "my children"--they were the first words he had
spoken--"the gifts of God are to be enjoyed, when the Giver is
remembered."