52 CONSTANTINOPLE. 
CHAP, moved with no less velocity than the others; 
but it seemed in them a less mechanical ope- 
ration. This extraordinary exercise continued 
for the space of fifteen minutes ; a length of 
time, it might be supposed, sufficient to exhaust 
life itself during such an exertion ; and our 
eyes began to ache with the sight of so many 
objects all turning one way. Suddenly, on a 
signal given by the directors of the dance, 
unobserved by the spectators, the Dervishes all 
stopped at the same instant, like the wheels of 
a machine, and, what is more extraordinary, all 
in one circle, with their faces invariably towards 
the centre, crossing their arms on their breasts, 
and grasping their shoulders as before, bowing 
together with the utmost regularity, at the same 
instant, almost to the ground. We regarded 
them with astonishment, not one of them being 
in the slightest degree out of breath, heated, or 
havins: his countenance at all chans^ed. After 
this, they began to walk, as at first ; each fol- 
lowing the other within the balustrade, and 
passing the Superior as before. As soon as 
their obeisance had been made, they began to 
turn again. This second exhibition lasted as 
long as the first, and was similarly concluded. 
They then began to turn for the third time; 
and, as the dance lengthened, the music grew 
louder and more animating : perspiration now 
