“The second custom I mentioned, namely, abdest, which by the way is called differently by the beings of different groups on the continent Asia, is nothing else than the obligatory ABLUTION of the sex organs after every visit to what is called the ‘toilet’. BTG XLII

Having said this, Beelzebub became thoughtful, and after a long pause said: “The present theme of our conversation has reminded me of a certain very interesting conversation, which I had there during my sojourn in France, with a young sympathetic three-brained being. I think that perhaps it would now be best for your understanding of all that has just been said, if I repeat to you that conversation in full, all the more so as, besides explaining the meaning of the custom abdest or ABLUTION, this conversation will enlighten you on many further questions concerning the peculiar psyche of these favorites of yours. BTG XLII

“‘The custom of abdest which, according to the notions here might be called ABLUTION, is one of the chief customs among us in Persia. BTG XLII

“‘I myself was from early childhood also personally accustomed to this habit, and it gradually so entered into my daily life that even when I came here to Europe, where this custom does not exist, I could not live a single day without making this ABLUTION. BTG XLII

“‘For example, as you yourself have justly observed, thanks to circumcision and ABLUTION one rarely finds among the followers of this religion either onanism or certain venereal diseases, and thanks to polygamy we see among the followers of this. religion such a reciprocal so to say psycho-organic maintenance of the foundation of family life as is almost entirely absent among the followers of the Christian religion. BTG XLII

“Exactly the same end is served by this seemingly stupid custom as by the Persian custom of ABLUTION or abdest. This gypsy tribe is regarded as the lowest and filthiest of all the tribes existing on the Earth; and indeed they are so filthy that their clothes are always swarming with the insects called lice. BTG XLII