on and
serves as a credential to the Say-yidical tribe. Each family must have
in its possession a credential at least two hundred years old. When
these are worn by age and use their leaders may draft copies and duly
certify them.

The Say-yid's dress distinguishes him from other men. He wears a green
turban and girdle, so that he is really known whether alone or in a
throng. If a common man should presume to wear these articles of dress
he would be severely punished. The Say-yid's turban is to them more
precious than a kingly crown. It is the sign of their glory. The girdle
is a symbol of strength. Their rank is higher than all other degrees
among men and their high priest is more honored than a prince. So
Say-yid ruleth over other men. He demands and receives their honors. In
the assemblies of lords and influential men, the Say-yid occupies the
chief seats, and are always served first. Oaths of gravity are sworn by
their heads. All men fear them, believing that their curse will surely
be brought to pass. They are never smitten or reviled. If a Christian
should lift his hand against them that hand must be severed from his
body. They are exempt from legal punishment. Governors cannot impose on
them fines or imprisonments. If a Say-yid should kill a common man it
would be impossible to punish him with death for his murder. The
governor cannot punish him for it would be a sin against God; it is
believed that God created all men for the sake of Mohammed and his
descendants. A Say-yid's punishment must come through the leader of
that order.

Many vows are made to them. Parents when their daughters are sick, vow
to marry them to a Say-yid, believing that God will cure her for the
sake of the Say-yid. They generally ride on gray horses, claiming that
those of that color belong to them. They lead the large pilgrim
caravans, which go every year to worship at the tomb of Ali. Their
presence is believed to protect the caravans from thieves and robbers.
Their law gives them authority over the property of other men. They are
masters while others are peasants. Sometimes they smite and punish
other men without mercy. By their law one-tenth of all property belongs
to them. Generally they do not work, but live well, because of their
position as Say-yids or holy men. The more noble of them will sit in
their houses and receive tithes of the fruits, coffee, tea and money of
the surrounding people. If these tithes are not freely given a s