88 FROM CONSTANTINOPLE 
CHAP, curiosity with the sight of the highly classical 
v .. V - ' territory then within our reach, subdued all our 
fears of venturing across the Mediterranean in 
this little bean-cod ; and we resolved to dismiss 
the corvette^ with all the Capudan Pashas in- 
tended liberality, as soon as day-light should 
appear. 
Visit to the In the morning, therefore, we took leave of 
the crew, and landed again. Upon the shore 
we were met by messengers from the Pasha of 
the Dardanelles, who desired to see us. Being 
conducted to his palace, and through an ante- 
chamber filled with guards, v/e entered an 
apartment in which we found him seated on a 
very superb divan. He placed us opposite to 
him; and the Russian Consul, being on his 
knees, acted as our interpreter. The attendants 
in the mean time supplied us with coffee, con- 
serves, and rich pipes of jasmine. The Pasha 
w^as dressed in a robe of green embroidered 
satin. He told us he was going to Esky Stam- 
houl (Alexandria Troas), and would take us 
with him in his boat, in order to entertain us 
there. Fearing the interruption this might 
occasion, we begged to be excused : upon this 
he added, that he had an estate in the recesses 
of Mount Ida, and begged we would visit him 
there. This we also declined, and afterv/ards 
