DISTRICT OF TROAS. 177 
whence he had gained the height. In this 
manner he lost his way, and wandered about, 
for three hours, over dreadful chasms and icy 
precipices, in a state of painful anxiety ; until 
at last, overcome witli excessive fatigue, thirst, 
and cold, he sank down upon a bleak ridge, 
and moistened his mouth by eating snow. To 
his unexpected comfort, he experienced both 
refreshment and warmth ; his benumbed fingers 
recovered their sensation, and he again en- 
deavoured to walk. Looking down towards 
the south-west, he perceived, at an immense 
depth below, the very guide who had deserted 
him, endeavouring to climb towards the third 
point of the mountain, but always returning 
back, and at last giving up the attempt. Ex- 
erting every effort, he succeeded in making 
this man hear him; who then remained as a 
mark, directing him to the ridge by which he 
had ascended. When he came to this fearful 
place, all his resolution forsook him. He could 
not persuade himself that he had climbed an 
icy steep so terrible; but presently perceived 
the holes before made for his feet. Upon this, 
striking his heels into the hardened snow, so 
as to form a stay for his support, he sat down ; 
and by slow degrees ventured off the declivity; 
sliding sometimes for a yard or two, and then 
stopping, so as not to acquire a greater velocity 
