e, 'that you can pretend to discover so accurately what is done in
yonder camp? My eyes, I think, are at least as good as yours; and yet
the distance is so great, that I can discover nothing distinctly.' The
European then desired his friend to look through the telescope, which he
had no sooner done, than he rose in great trepidation, and was going to
mount his horse; for the spectacle was so new to him, that he imagined
the enemy was close to him, and that nothing remained but to stand upon
his defence. The European could not help smiling at this mistake; and
after he had with some difficulty removed his panic, by explaining the
wonderful powers of the glass, he prevailed upon him to be quiet.

"But the unexpected terror which this telescope had excited inspired him
with a sudden thought, which he determined to improve to the advantage
of the besieged prince. Acquainting him therefore with his intention, he
desired him to draw out all his men in their military array, and to let
them descend the mountain slowly, clashing their arms and waving their
swords as they marched. He then mounted a horse, and rode to the enemy's
camp, where he no sooner arrived than he desired to be instantly
introduced to the general. He found him sitting in his tent carousing in
the midst of his officers, and not at all thinking of an engagement.
When he approached he thus accosted him; 'I am come, great warrior, as a
friend, to acquaint you with a circumstance that is absolutely necessary
to the safety of yourself and army.' 'What is that?' said the general,
with some surprise. 'At this instant,' replied the European, 'while you
are indulging yourself in festivity, the enemy, who has lately been
reinforced with a large body of his most valiant troops, is advancing to
attack you, and even now has almost penetrated to your camp.' 'I have
here,' added he, 'a wonderful glass, the composition of which is only
known in Europe, and if you will condescend to look through it for a
moment, it will convince you that all I say is truth.' Saying this, he
directed his eye to the telescope, which the general had no sooner
looked into than he was struck with consternation and affright. He saw
the prince, whom he had long considered as lying at his mercy, advancing
with his army in excellent order, and, as he imagined, close to his
camp. He could even discern the menacing air of the soldiers, and the
brandishing of their swords as they moved. His officers, who t