of the Golden City. They endeavoured to picture forth what would then

happen, and spoke in lofty terms of the prosperity of Greece, when

Constantinople should become its capital. The conversation then reverted to

Asiatic intelligence, and the ravages the plague made in its chief cities;

conjectures were hazarded as to the progress that disease might have made

in the besieged city.

Raymond had joined in the former part of the discussion. In lively terms he

demonstrated the extremities to which Constantinople was reduced; the

wasted and haggard, though ferocious appearance of the troops; famine and

pestilence was at work for them, he observed, and the infidels would soon

be obliged to take refuge in their only hope--submission. Suddenly in the

midst of his harangue he broke off, as if stung by some painful thought; he

rose uneasily, and I perceived him at length quit the hall, and through the

long corridor seek the open air. He did not return; and soon Clara crept

round to me, making the accustomed invitation. I consented to her request,

and taking her little hand, followed Raymond. We found him just about to

embark in his boat, and he readily agreed to receive us as companions.

After the heats of the day, the cooling land-breeze ruffled the river, and

filled our little sail. The city looked dark to the south, while numerous

lights along the near shores, and the beautiful aspect of the banks

reposing in placid night, the waters keenly reflecting the heavenly lights,

gave to this beauteous river a dower of loveliness that might have

characterized a retreat in Paradise. Our single boatman attended to the

sail; Raymond steered; Clara sat at his feet, clasping his knees with her

arms, and laying her head on them. Raymond began the conversation somewhat

243

The Last Man