" So saying Nicaeus pricked on his donkey, and flung his stick
at a bird which was perched on the branch of a tree. Iskander did not
resume a topic to which his companion seemed disinclined. Their
journey was tedious. Towards nightfall they reached the summit of the
usual track; and as the descent was difficult, they were obliged to
rest until daybreak.
On the morrow they had a magnificent view of the rich plains of
Roumelia, and in the extreme distance, the great city of Adrianople,
its cupolas and minarets blazing and sparkling in the sun. This
glorious prospect at once revived all their energies. It seemed that
the moment of peril and of fate had arrived. They pricked on their
sorry steeds; and on the morning of the next day, presented themselves
at the gates of the city. The thorough knowledge which Iskander
possessed of the Turkish character obtained them an entrance, which was
at one time almost doubtful, from the irritability and impatience of
Nicaeus. They repaired to a caravansera of good repute in the
neighbourhood of the seraglio; and having engaged their rooms, the
Armenian physician, attended by his page, visited several of the
neighbouring coffee-houses, announcing, at the same time, his arrival,
his profession, and his skill.
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