j'2l RUINS OF JERUSALEM. 



we were shewn to our apartments, to repose ourselves until sup. 

 per. The room allotted to our English party we found to be the 

 same which many travellers have before described. It was clean, 

 and its walls were white- washed. The beds, also, had a cleanly 

 appearance; although a few bugs warned us to spread our ham. 

 mocks upon the floor, where we slept for once unmolested. Upon 

 the substantial door of this chamber, whose roof was of vaulted 

 stone, the names of many English travellers had been carved. 

 Among others, we had the satisfaction to notice that of Thomas 

 Shaw, the most learned writer who has yet appeared iti the descrip. 

 tions of the Levant. Dr. Shaw had slept in the same apartment 

 seventy. nine jears before our coming. 



A plentiful j-upper was served, in a large room called the Pil- 

 grim's Chamber. Almost all the monks, together with their supe. 

 rior, were present. These men did not eat with us; having their 

 meals private. After we had supped, and retired to the dormitory, 

 one of the friars, an Italian, in the dress worn by the Franciscans, 

 came into our a, ailment, and, giving us a wink, took some bottles 

 of Noyau from his bosom, desiring us to taste it; he said that he 

 could supply us with any quantity, or quality, of the best liqueurs, 

 either for our consumption while we staid, or for our journey. We 

 asked him whence it was obtained ; and he informed us, that he 

 had made it; explaining the nature of his situation in the monas- 

 tery, by saying, that he was a confectioner ; that the monks em- 

 ployed him in works of ornament suited to his profession ; but that 

 his principal employment was the manufacturing of liqueurs. A 

 large part of this convent, surrounding an elevated open court or 

 terrace, is appropriated to the reception of pilgrims ; for whose 

 maintenance the monks have considerable funds, the result of dona, 

 tions from catholics of all ranks, but esp< dally from catholic 

 princes. These contributions are sometimes made in cash, and 

 often in effects, in merchandize, and stores for the convent. To 

 mention, by way of example, one article, equally rare and grateful 

 to weary English travellers in the Levant ; namely, tea. Of this 

 they had an immense provision, and of the finest quality. Knowing, 

 from long habit in waiting upon pilgrims, the taste of different na- 

 tions, they most hospitably entertain their comers according to the 

 notions they have thus acquired. If a table be provided for Eng. 

 lishmen or for Dutchmen, they supply it copiously with tea. This 

 pleasing and refreshing beverage was served every morning and 



