doline was heard on shore, then Ismael (having first shouted the Salat, or call, and repeated the Alatema, or Last Prayer of Day,) would summon Panajotti to the tarikh, or recital of tale or history.

Then did he ask of Panajotti where was the Al Cazár (the Palace); and it was pointed out to him, where the moonlight fell upon the lofty tower rising from the centre of and high above the vast and imposing edifice; and with joy was it that Ismael heard that the Hakem, or Governor, was a Cidy* of the sea; for he, too, was now somewhat famous on that element, and undoubtedly they were peers.

(for

The Quarantine at length expired, even Stamboult will have an end," has been by an Alime said,) and with pomp and honour was he received by the good Sir Alexander Ball, and with pleasure he recognised in the Governor one of the great captains of Aboukir; and feasts were given him at Sant' Antonio in delicious gardens; and hither Ismael hied him, in a calessa, sitting upon both his hands, for the roads were rough and rocky, and the carriage, like the land it ran over, had no springs; there by him sate the Chatib, or Secretary of Sir Alexander, and a strange man was he; for in the tongue of Almagreb did he recite long verses, the whole way, to amuse the Turk, which Ismael was too much shaken and jolted to attend to, nor could he otherwise have understood them and the Chatib showed him a peacock's plume with which he wrote. Ismael met him long years after in London, and then he was a man of fame; for he had written poems, and a tragedy, and sermons, and things which Ismael did nevertheless little wot of. to return-the Giema, or assembly in the gardens, was enchanting; for what houris were there not there! and "Allah Acbar !|| Allah Acbar !" exclaimed he, as the soft blue eye of

But

* A lord or high officer. † Constantinople. A fact. Il God is great.

the fair Briton cast its gentle, but curious glance upon him; or the more brilliant orbs of the dark Maltese flashed looks of lightning in his favour. There was, too, the Sahba, or wine, of various lands; and Ismael quaffed them off with zest, for he was learned in the Koran; and "where has the Prophet forbidden the use of the bright liquor? hammed forbade only its excess," said Ismael, as he drank largely of the delicious fluid. "Only-itsex-cess," exclaimed Ismael, as he sank upon a sofa near one of the loveliest daughters of the West.

Mo

Again they sailed; but who shall describe the difficulties and dangers of their voyage, until they beheld Bâb-el-Fetah (or Europa Point), and were fairly anchored in the bay of Gebel** Taric, and beheld the mighty fortresses it displays? Gihanam, the evil angel, must have been with them on that their course; and full often did Ismael deem he heard the very rushing of Azrael's wings, soft and solemn, and voluminous, as the flow of many waters. Twice, it is reported, they put in to Tunis; once they anchored in the port of Cagliari; then did they find themselves in the road of Leghorn, which was not theirs; again got they, with no ordinary ingenuity, to the south of Sicily;

then, after a long, long interval, verily they saw the mighty Pyrenees; and then it was they knew to tack and steer to the southward; and long they sailed meridionally, without diverging, until the coast of Afric was in view. Now their course became more certain, for there was land to be seen on either side; yet did they visit Oran, and Melilla, and Almeria, and Marbella, asking counsel and advice of right experienced men of either creed; and in three short months they completed their voyage from Malta to Gibralter.

There also was he right hospitably received, and duly complimented. He inspected the noble fortifications,

Mr. C―lr―dge. § The western land. ** The Mount of Taric, whence Gibralter.

and St. Michael's Cave, and the Devil's Tongue. ("What a combination !" ejaculated the Moslem.) He admired the Almeida ;* but with scorn he viewed the ignoble statue of the gallant Heathfield, (and long afterwards did he recognise a twin production at Brighton). Here then he drew his bills on the Pacha ;and lading himself with fruits, and wines, and doubloons; and saluting the Governor in most irregular time, and evincing his liberality and contempt of ammunition by increasing the effect of his courtesy in the gratuitous loan of two balls (having forgotten that the pieces were loaded); and cursing the Jews and the Jewesses' perukes, while the white cloud spread itself over the rock's summit, announcing the coming of the easterly wind, he braved the Bâb-el-Zakac, the gate of the road, and at sunset he beheld, for the first time, the ocean, which extended thousands of miles before him, and to north and south. At least so said Panajotti; but Panajotti was such a liar, who could believe him!-that peopling of Candia before the Hegira was quite enough to show what he was ;-however, in redemption of his want of truth, it was to be confessed that he was an able pilot (witness their late successful voyage), and that was every thing. Now was there counsel, and advisement, and reflection, and discussion; but at length it was all decided by Ismael's "Billah," and "Birmillah," (in God, and by God's order ;) and, after many days, they happily found themselves at the Island of Madeira; but here they learned that they had gone some small matter out of the way, and warmly did Ismael reproach Panajotti; but, as he cooled, he recollected that the wisest might be at times deceived, and there was that astonishing voyage from Malta to Gibralter in barely more than three months! and then the wine where he was, was good, and the English merchants kind and hospitable; and he ate of the ananas and

orange, and drank the cheering liquor. He took some lessons, too, in English; and showed his progress, on taking leave of the Governor, by saying, "How you do; I hope;" while the Governor replied, in Portuguese, to what he deemed some Oriental compliment in the pure Arabic of the Moslem.

Now, having inquired their course, they steered them north, and in some few days they came to England ;at least Panajotti swore by the Panagia and St. George! St. Spiridion and St. Dionysius, that it could be nought else than England, for he had been to London, and must know. But Ismael had his doubts, for was not England larger ? he had heard so.

Then he took his chart, and examined the many isles he saw; certainly, there might be Great Britain, and Ireland, and the Isle of Wight; yet there were more and more; possibly, the Orkneys, and Hebrides, and Shetland Isles, and Man, and Anglesey; but there were more yet, and without they were also the West Indies, really Ismael could not make out what they were. They did not at all correspond with his notions of our land, so he whiffed the argillé ; but they entered a port, and then he learned the islands were the Azores, and the city Angra. But there were more fruits and wine; and "God was great, and Mohammed was his prophet ;" and there some days they stayed them, ere they set sail once more.

It was a lovely night, but moonless; a current bore them swiftly onward, and seemingly they had entered a river, and that a mighty one;

quietly; and, as daylight broke, "Allah! Allah-homa!" exclaimed Ismael, as he rubbed his eyes," but it bear eth much resemblance to Gibralter." On they went; and, to be on the sure side, although it might scarcely be, they saluted the town; and the town, most vehemently surprised, returned the compliment; for it was truly nothing else than Gibralter, and the General and his aids du camp, and merchants, and Jews and Jewesses' perukes. How did Ismael storm! but Panajotti swore that it was the current; and, in sooth, Panajotti had reason, so to the current they gave the blame.

They were all at sea again, although the second time upon the ocean. But now they betook them to the north, instead of the south; and Panajotti grew in favour with Ismael, by repeated and unquestionable proofs he gave of skill and science. They visited Cadiz; and would actually have steered up the Guadalquivir (to avoid, probably, the national reproach of, "Those who have not Seville seen;") but they were soon set to rights. The wind was fair, and gaily they went onwards, leaving Portugal and Spain behind, until they got into the Bay of Biscay, and there a fearful storm came on. Ismael grew sadly sick, and Panajotti confounded, and in a most solemn fright; the ship made water fast; the pumps were plied; the Greeks knelt to a print of St. Spiridion; the Maltese vowed vows to the Virgin and St. John;-a Jew on board was sadly off here;-the Turks called on the Prophet; winds roared; the topmast went; sails were split; and all was horror, confusion, and dismay.

At Bourdeaux (with the permission of Bonaparte) they stopped to refit. Panajotti's wits were terribly shattered, so an English prisoner was given them as a pilot; the Gironde pushed them out, and once more they tried it. "It was the month Muharram when we left Alexandria," mused Is

mael, as he sate on deck. "Muharram, (including Safer) one; Ribeah (the first) two; the second Ribeah, three; Giomada (the first) four ; Giomada (the second) five; Giomada (the third) six ;-Regeb, seven ; Schaban, eight. Glory to Allah and the Prophet! eight, eight months only; and the new pilot says that we are between France and England. Prodigious! by Alaksa! What a pity Panajotti should be crazed, for we might yet have arrived within the year. There is Ramadan, one; Schawal, two; Doul Kadah, three ; Doul Hegiagh, four; but that may scarcely be! What has been ordained must be

But what was

Ismael's surprise when, but two days after, even in the very commencement of Ramadan, he was told that the tall white cliffs he gazed upon were the coast of England. What vessels sailing on every side! what forts, and towns, and villages; and noise, and crowds, and bustle, and confusion!" It was the meeting of Al Azab ;*-the congregation of earth's many nations!"

Ismael ever left much for fancy to supply in the history of his weary way, as farther than the space of time has been recorded, he was little disposed to dwell upon its secrets. We must now proceed to other circumstances, on which he had less difficulty to dilate.

It was in the neighborhood of Ratcliffe Highway that, on his arrival in England, Ismael took up his abode, little aware of the factitious distinctions which fashion has ordained between the component parts of the metropolis; but duly sensible to the substantial comforts attending even the ordinary houses of entertainment in London, and the real luxuries of carpets and curtains, good beds, bright fires, cleanliness, civility, and attention; all rendered still more acceptable by the fatigue and tedium of a lengthened and painful voyage. Greatly did he relish his position, as he crossed his legs upon a sofa, after

:

his nine months' wanderings upon the waters and he doubted not but that he was suited appropriately to his own rank and mission, and the more than viceregal dignity of his Egyptian master. His credentials were duly forwarded; and early was he advertized that his reception by the Prince Regent would have place. He arrived punctual at the appointed day and hour at Carlton-house. His dress was rich and elegant: the ample folds of his turban were of exquisitely wrought silk: his scymitar hung before him suspended to a massive chain of gold; on his vest were the anchor and the crescent, in brilliants of great size and beauty; to which were added the lofty and imposing figure of the Turk himself-his features marked by an expression of firmness and resolution, which was however tempered by a peculiar air of mildness; and with his pale face, full eye and dark mustachio, he would, independently of his nation and costume, have been an object of regard, curiosity, and admiration. His step was slow and firm, and grave; and most graceful was his reverence as placing his right hand to his breast he raised the other to his turban; and who might better appreciate what was fit in manner than he before whom he stood? It is said that the Prince was particularly struck with his Egyptian visitor; and, after discoursing with him, recommended him to the attentions of one of his royal brothers who was standing near. He was now encircled by all that was great and noble; and they listened in silence to the reply he would furnish to the Duke's inquiry of his residence. "It is the Pig and Whistle! (or some such strange sign of contrasted harmony) at Wapping. This was too much; however, an explanation was come to. It was found that it was rather erroneous confidence in the recommendation of Panajotti, than predilection, which had placed him there; his removal to the West was soon resolved upon; there he was installed and treated with honour

19 ATHENEWM, VOL. 9, 2d series.

and hospitality by his numerous friends.

Ismael always spoke with much gratitude of the testimonies of friendship and respect he had received in England, and was particularly partial to the nation. He often mentioned that he had never met there with insult but once, and that was at a dinner, where, after recounting his travels, a gentlemen at table observed to him that " he was a Cosmopolite." Ismael, however, pardoned whatever of offence he might impute to the epithet, as rather the result of indiscretion than intention.

Acting as agent for the Pacha of Egypt in one of the islands of the Mediterranean, where the embarrassments of those who had dealt with him had prevented his remitting the amount of sales of Egyptian produce to his master as early as was requisite, he was suddenly recalled from his situation. "Ah! the Pacha eannot do without your advice," observed a friend, in alluding to his departure. "Yes; the Pacha without doubt has need of my head," replied the apathetic Turk.

It was in the road of Corfu that, while his vessel lay at anchor, a violent storm occurred, and the only chance of saving her was by a Greek vessel allowing him space to remove to another station. Easily as this might have been effected, the Greek refused, and Ismael being obliged to cut his cable, brought up his vessel, as mariners term it; but not before that of the recusant Greek had gone down. The cargo of the Greek was valuable, and his sole property; he sought redress at law for his proper obstinacy, but after many decisions his claim was just!y dismissed: Never was fury equal to his; he sought Ismael in public; every vile and degrading epithet was bestowed upon him; but the calm Moslem answered not to, nor even seemed to notice his indignation or abuse. The wrath of the Greek became augmented by the Turk's indifference; until, mindful only of his presumed wrongs, and forgetful of Ismael's force, his eye

flashing fire, the foam bursting from his mouth, he raised his arm to strike. All eyes were turned towards Ismael;—he had paused, and ere the blow fell, he extended-his open snuff-box to the maddened Greek, calmly and mildly. This was too much for the latter; his arm fell by his side; his muscles became suddenly relaxed; he gasped for breath, and casting a glance at his foe, in which astonishment prevailed, rushed from the place, and never again addressed him. Ismael Gibralter is said to have been a Constantinopolitan by birth, and carried to Egypt when young, where he had passed the prime of

life ere he attained rank and distinction. He was intrusted by the Pacha with the purchase of vessels and stores in England, Sweden, and elsewhere, which he effected with skill and success. He spoke Italian fluently, and somewhat of French and English. He was tall of form, and spare, but evidently powerful of limb. His manners were mild and elegant. He was true, honourable, and generous; and esteemed by all who knew him. On the insurrection of the Greeks he was appointed Amir-alim* (whence the French amiral and our admiral) to the Pacha, and heroically fell in battle in 1824, at an advanced age.

SHE dwelt in proud Venetian halls,
'Midst forms that breathed from the pictured
walls;

But a glow of beauty like her own,
There had no dream of the painter thrown.
Lit from within was her noble brow,
As an urn, whence rays from a lamp may
flow;

Her

young, clear cheek, had a changeful hue,

As if ye might see how the soul wrought through;

And every flash of her fervent eye,
Seem'd the bright wakening of Poesy.

Even thus it was!-from her childhood's years,

A being of sudden smiles and tears,—
Passionate visions, quick light and shade,
Such was that high-born Italian maid!
And the spirit of song in her bosom-cell,
Dwelt, as the odours in violets dwell,-
Or as the sounds in the Eolian strings,―
Or in aspen-leaves the quiverings;
There, ever there, with the life enshrined,
And waiting the call of the faintest wind.

SHELLEY.