316 
preter and cecirone to me. By the order of the arch- 
bishop, we were lodged at the curate's, who is a good 
old man. 
I much desired to see some of the women, who are 
renowned for their beauty; but I saw none that were 
passable, either in houses, or in the streets. The doc- 
tor pre' ended that there were none strictly handsome." 
They are more free than any in the island, and this 
freedom gives rise to innumerable law suits, which go 
before the magistrates of Nicosia; perhaps the heat of 
the climate, the isolated situation of the houses, the 
thick muiberry woods, and the daily absence of the 
men, who go to market, are the circumstances to which 
the conduct of the Cytheran women may be attributed, 
because favourable to their intrigues. 
It is asserted, that the ancient Cythera was situated 
upon a small height at a mile distance. 
Upon leaving Nicosia, I was informed, that upon my 
return from Cy thera, I could visit the palace of the 
queen, and I was told this with an air of indifference, as 
if there was nothing worthy going out of the way to 
see. 
Half way the doctor pointed out to me the spot where 
the ruins lay; they are situated upon the highest part of 
the mountains to the north of Nicosia. Having looked 
with my glass, 1 thought I distinguished objects very 
worthy of our curiosity; in consequence I determined 
to visit them upon my return. 
From the curate's house I also discovered the palace. 
After dinner we took leave of the good pastor, and 
set out towards the N. N. E. to examine the spring 
which waters the district. 
