nd other animals, which are said to be seen thereat
this day; all which, as it is believed by the inhabitants, were once
animated beings, but were miraculously changed into stone in all the
various positions of falling, standing, eating, sitting, which they
acted at the instant of their supposed transubstantiation. We did not
fail to inquire after these things, and desired to have a sight of
them; but they told us they were in a certain part, pointing westward,
but were too sacred to be seen by any except believers."--Perry's
_View of the Levant._]

Having reached a vast square, in the heart of the city, I perceived a
large folding gate, covered with plates of gold, which stood open; a
curtain of silk stuff seemed to be drawn before it; a lamp hung over
the entrance. After I had surveyed the building, I made no doubt but
it was the palace of the prince who reigned over that country; and
being much astonished that I had not met with one living creature, I
approached in hopes of finding some. I lifted up the curtain, and was
surprised at beholding no one but the guards in the vestibule, all
petrified.

I came to a large court. I went from thence into a room richly
furnished, where I perceived a lady turned into a statue of stone. The
crown of gold on her head, and a necklace of pearls about her neck,
each of them as large as a nut, proclaimed her to be the queen. I
quitted the chamber where the petrified queen was, and passed through
several other apartments richly furnished, and at last came into a
large room where there was a throne of massy gold, raised several
steps above the floor, and enriched with large enchased emeralds, and
upon the throne there was a bed of rich stuff embroidered with pearls.
What surprised me most was a sparkling light which came from above the
bed. Being curious to know whence it proceeded, I ascended the steps,
and, lifting up my head, saw a diamond as large as the egg of an
ostrich, lying upon a low stool; it was so pure that I could not find
the least blemish in it, and it sparkled with so much brilliancy that
when I saw it by daylight I could not endure its luster.

At the head of the bed there stood on each side a lighted flambeau,
but for what use I could not comprehend; however, it made me imagine
that there must be some one living in the place; for I could not
believe that the torches continued thus burning of themselves.

The doors being all open, I surveyed some other apartments,