Constantinople, he counted on an event which would be as a landmark in the

waste of ages, an exploit unequalled in the annals of man; when a city of

grand historic association, the beauty of whose site was the wonder of the

world, which for many hundred years had been the strong hold of the

Moslems, should be rescued from slavery and barbarism, and restored to a

people illustrious for genius, civilization, and a spirit of liberty.

Perdita rested on his restored society, on his love, his hopes and fame,

even as a Sybarite on a luxurious couch; every thought was transport, each

emotion bathed as it were in a congenial and balmy element.

We arrived at Kishan on the 7th of July. The weather during our journey had

been serene. Each day, before dawn, we left our night's encampment, and

watched the shadows as they retreated from hill and valley, and the golden

splendour of the sun's approach. The accompanying soldiers received, with

national vivacity, enthusiastic pleasure from the sight of beautiful

nature. The uprising of the star of day was hailed by triumphant strains,

while the birds, heard by snatches, filled up the intervals of the music.

At noon, we pitched our tents in some shady valley, or embowering wood

among the mountains, while a stream prattling over pebbles induced grateful

sleep. Our evening march, more calm, was yet more delightful than the

morning restlessness of spirit. If the band played, involuntarily they

chose airs of moderated passion; the farewell of love, or lament at

absence, was followed and closed by some solemn hymn, which harmonized with

the tranquil loveliness of evening, and elevated the soul to grand and

religious thought. Often all sounds were suspended, that we might listen to

the nightingale, while the fire-flies danced in bright measure, and the

231

The Last Man