46 CONSTANTINOPLE. 
CHAP. Tlie architectural merits of St. Sophia and 
u«-^ St. Peters have been often relatively discussed ; 
tionrmuhe jst thcy rcasonablj enter into no comparison. 
s!^Zt'n"a. ^^ accounts have been more exaggerated than 
those which refer to the former, whose gloomy 
appearance is well suited to the ideas we 
entertain of its present abject and depraved 
state. In the time oiProcopius, its dome might 
have seemed suspended by a chain from heaven ; 
but at present, it exhibits much more of a 
subterraneous, than of an aerial character ; 
neither does it seem consistent with the per- 
fection of an edifice intended to elevate the 
mind, that the entrance to it should be by a 
descent, as into a cellar. The approach to the 
Pantheon at Rome, as well as to the spacious 
aisle and dome of St. Peters, is by ascending ; 
but in order to get beneath the dome of 
obtained one for the purpose of gaining admission to St. Sophia, it is 
also a passport to all the others. The words of the Firmdn for seeing 
the mosques, when literally translated, are as follow. 
" To the Keepers and Priests of the Great St. Sophia, and 
" other Holy Mosques of the Sultans. 
" It heivg customary to grant to the subjects of powerful yillies permis- 
" ition to visit the Holy Mosques; and at this time, having taken into 
" our consideration an application made by certain JEitglish Gentlemen 
" travelling in these Countries, to enter the Mosques of this City, we 
" hereby consent to their request ; granting to them our permission 
"to view the holy tern pie of St. Sophia, and other Mosques of the 
" Sultans : also ordaining, upon their coming, accompanied by the 
" respective guards appointed for that purpose, that you do conduct them 
" everywhere, and allow them free observation of all things, according 
" to established usage." 
