280 
SECOND EXCURSION TO THE 
CHAP. 
VII. 
view, over distant mountains and rolling clouds, 
forms a sublime spectacle. There is nothing, 
in any part of Europe, which can surpass the 
tremendous grandeur of the scenery. Below 
this cavern there is another chamber, leading to 
some other cells on its several sides : these have 
all been hewn in the same entire rock. 
We pursued a different road in our descent 
from this place ; passing beneath an old arched 
gateway of the citadel, once its principal en- 
trance 1 . This road flanks the northern side of 
the mountain ; and the fall into the valley is so 
bold and profound, that it seems as if a single 
false step would precipitate both horse and 
rider. By alighting, the danger is avoided; and 
the terror of the descent compensated, in the 
noblest prospect the eye ever beheld. It was 
dark before we reached the bottom. We had 
some difficulty to regain the principal road lead- 
ing through the defile ; owing principally to 
trees projecting over all the lanes in the vicinity 
of Tahtar villages, and so effectually obstructing 
the passage of persons on horseback, that 
(1) Future travellers, who may visit Mankoop, are advised to choose 
this road for their ascent ; as it will afford them the sublimest views 
perhaps ever beheld. The Tahtars, for what reason cannot be explained, 
call it The Carriage-way , although we were unable to sit even upon our 
horses, in going down. 
