Observations placeholder

Dr Paul Brunton

A search in secret Egypt

Once more the Dervishes began their slow chant: "There is no Deity but Allah!" bowing the head and body twice with each repetition of the phrase. They sang softly at first until, after a quarter of an hour, they quickened the rhythm of their chant and movements, deepening as well the tone of their voices. That which had formerly been a measured song became ultimately a series of sharp, forcible ejaculations. As time passed on they grew more and more excited and their words resembled hoarse exclamations, uttered as they rolled their heads in unison with their voices, crossed their hands upon their breasts, and swayed their bodies. Yet, never at any time, or in any way, did they earn the title of "howling Dervishes." That high degree of ecstatic fervour which they had reached was never in any way offensive, and stopped suddenly immediately it had swelled and accelerated to its rapturous crescendo. There was dead, divine silence, most impressive by contrast with the volume of sound heard before. Thereafter they rested.