George Grove

“ Now, all men know that the earth of the plain of Damascus is that out of which our first father Adam was created, and that in all the world there is not so fine or so productive a soil; but of all that plain Darâya is the richest. The grapes grow there to this day in great abundance, for though thousands and tens of thousands eat of them, there is never any lack. But the vines will flourish nowhere else, as many can affirm who have planted them elsewhere. And this is the story of the grapes of Darâya, which will grow nowhere but in their own soil. ”

“ Of all the grapes grown in this district it is the favourite, and immense quantities are consumed by the people. It is cultivated in a village near Damascus, called Darâya, on the old Roman road south-west of the city, and there only, for though often planted elsewhere, it has always obstinately refused to thrive. The following is the legend of the origin of these grapes, as told by the Moslems of Damascus, and translated to me on the spot in October last, by my friend Mr. ”

“ When he had finished, the heavens opened, and a ladder was let down to the earth, up which he proceeded to climb. His friend followed close, and when the door of heaven was reached, he contrived, by hiding himself behind the skirts of the Prophet's dress, to enter with him unperceived. ”