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11 October 1879 — Smyrna | |
Saturday. 11th October [1879]. We breakfasted at 8 & went on shore & got into the tramway which took us to the railway station. We were a large party—some of the officers & the Dennis. We had a special train & were accompanied by the Chaplain Revd who is a great antiquarian and he explained the country as we went by. When we got to Ephesus we found a quantity of ponies awaiting us & we each got mounted on one & so went off to see the ruins. It was a most curious & interesting day & it was hard to realize that so great a city stood where there were only a few ruins under the level of the ground– But as we went on we found grand masses of ruin—especially the great theatre in wh the multitude had called out for the space of 2 hours—“Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” Of the great Temple of Diana very little is certain; some people suppose it to have been not far from the station. The place is at present most unhealthy & the inhabitants daily dwindle from fever. It was rather hot riding & the ground was rough & we were tired & glad when we got back to the station where Mrs Dennis had unpacked her wares & spread us out a luncheon– Jerry was with us & had a poney to ride but he got so excited that he had once or twice to be dismounted & made to walk. Hill was with us & also rode & was much interested. After luncheon we were much interested at seeing a grandly got up brigand one of the country people who had turned Kings evidence having got tired of the life and is now employed by the Govt to catch his fellow. He was a very fine man & literally bristled with arms, pistols, knives, dagger, cartridges &c. Jerry’s astonishment & delight was very amusing to witness. The man was, in truth, quite a picture. We returned to Smyrna by special & taking leave of the Dennis &c embarked & at 6 we steamed for Constantinople. | |
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