“On the northern side of the plain we had just entered, was a large
encampment of these people. Being in absolute want of milk, I
determined to solicit the assistance of these Turcomans. Approaching
their tents, with gradual step, and apparent indifference, I passed
several, without observing any probability of succeeding: children,
only, were to be seen near the spot where I was, and men with their
flocks, at a certain distance; advancing still farther, I saw a woman,
at the entrance of a small tent, occupied in domestic employment.
Convinced that an appeal to the feelings of the female sex, offered
with decency, by a man distressed with hunger, would not be rejected, I
held out my wooden bowl, and reversing it, made a salutation according
to the forms of the country. The kind Turcomannee covered her face
precipitately, and retired within the tent. I did not advance a step;
she saw me unassuming,--my inverted bowl still explained my wants. The
timidity of her sex, the usages of her country, and, even the fear of
danger, gave way to the benevolence of her heart: she went to the tent
again; returned speedily with a bowl of milk, and, advancing towards me
with a glance more than half averted, filled my bowl to the brim, and
vanished.”