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lieve that it is even of the same dimensions, but as it is 
formed of small stones of different kinds, badly put to- 
gether, it menaces ruin, and forms a singular contrast 
by its apparent want of solidity, to the shaft of the other, 
which is admirable for its strength and grandeur. 
There is a hospital for idiots almost at the foot of 
the obelisk, that is daily in danger of being crushed by 
its fall. 
Between the two obelisks there is a kind of twisted 
column in bronze, the upper part of which is wanting. 
The termination is said to have been three serpents' 
heads, whose twisted bodies formed the shaft. The 
bronze is very thin, and as it is cracked in different 
parts, the interior has been filled with stones. The frag- 
ment, as it now stands, may be about ten feet high. 
After having examined the monuments of the Hip- 
podrome, I proceeded towards the south-west, and 
crossed a multitude of streets. I perceived in a small 
open space two superb columns of granite tying upon 
the ground, and at the door of a mean looking house 
two small columns of very fine verd antique. I visited 
in my way several markets well furnished with pro- 
visions, but separated from each other by deserted 
streets. 
At length I arrived at the foot of a high tower, 
covered with a very sharp pointed cone. It is one of 
those which compose the Castle of the Seven Towers, 
where the prisoners of state are confined. Formerly an 
ambassador from any power whatever, who declared 
war upon the Sultan, was looked upon as such, and for 
that sole reason was here imprisoned; but it appears 
that this custom is now abolished. 
I alighted and entered into the first court of the castle, 
when a great devil of a man, with a forbidding coun- 
