50 CONSTANTINOPLE. 
CHAP, are columns of verde antico, Egyptian granite, 
^ I I,. ^1 and white marhle. Several antique vases of 
glass, and of terra cotta, are also there suspended ; 
as perhaps similar vessels were in the temples 
of the Antients, with the other votive offerings. 
Dance of lu a mosquc at Tophana was exhibited the 
ushes^." Dance of the Dervishes; and in another, at 
Scutari/, the exhibition of the Howling Priests; 
ceremonies so extraordinary, that it is necessary 
to see them, in order to believe that they are 
really practised by human beings, as acts of 
devotion. We saw them both : and first, were 
conducted to behold the Dance at Tophana. 
As we entered the mosque, we observed 
twelve or fourteen Dervishes walking slowly 
round, before a superior, in a small space sur- 
rounded with a balustrade, beneath the dome 
of the building. Several spectators were sta- , 
tioned on the outside of the railing ; and being, 
as usual, ordered to take off our shoes, we 
joined the party. In a gallery over the entrance 
were stationed two or three performers on the 
tambourine and Turkish pipes. Presently the 
Dervishes, crossing their arms over their breasts, 
and with each of their hands grasping their 
shoulders, began obeisance to the Superior, 
who stood v/ith his back against the wall, facing 
