264 FROM THE HELLESPONT 
CHAP, him, in the midst of his wares, with a red 
VII. 
■ night-cap on his head, reading the Odyssey of 
Homer in manuscript. This was fairly written 
upon paper, with interUneary criticisms, and a 
commentary in the margin. He had other manu- 
script volumes, containing works upon rhetoric, 
poetry, history, and theology. Nothing could 
induce him to part with any of these books. 
The account he gave was, that some of them 
were copies of originals in the library at Patmos, 
and that his father had brought them to Cos. 
They were intended, he said, for his son, who 
was to be educated in the Patmos monastery. 
We were not permitted to enter the castle : 
this is close to the town of Stanchio, on the sea- 
shore, fortified by a moat upon the land side. 
Taking the small boat belonging to our vessel, 
we examined the outside of its walls towards 
the sea; and here we had the satisfaction to 
Bcamifui discover one of the finest bas-reliefs perhaps 
Piece of J r i 
antient evcr scen. It was employed by the Genoese as 
part of the building materials in the construction 
of the castle ; and, being of great length, it was 
broken into four pieces, which are placed in the 
wall ; two above, and two below ', facing the 
(l) The removal of this valuable relic, to any of the Museums of 
Europe, must he a desirable object with every civilized nation. It is 
an honour reserved for some more-favoured adventurers. The only 
power 
