travels

154 TRAVELS IN EGYPT, NUBIA,the Holy Sepulchre, the church of Anne, the mother ofMary, both nearly underneath the convent; beyond, at ashort distance, stands the mosque of Solomon, on the site ofthe ancient temple. The tower and mosque of David on theright.In front, outside the walls, exactly facing the terrace,the Mount of Olives is situated on the east side of the valleyof Siloe, which is at the foot of the walls.The quarries,where is the grotto of Jeremiah, are at the north-east.Themountains, beyond the Dead Sea, are to the south; to thesouth-east are the hills, concealing Bethlehem from view.the north is an olive wood, beyond which are the tombs ofthe Judges. The view to the rear is impeded by the buildingsof the convent, and confined to a part of the plain on theroad to Jaffa, outside the gate of Sham.The interest raised by the scene before me was not easilylost, it being impossible to avoid having the most seriousreflections on contemplating it.Part was beautifully picturesque.OnI remained for a long time uninterrupted by themonks, who were occupied in prayer in the chapel of theconvent.Towards sun-set the air became cool, and had theeffect of frost on my breath.I was surprised at the suddenchange, and was compelled to leave the terrace; when soonafter a plentiful dinner, a bottle of wine of Bethlehem,resembling rough cider, was served in my apartments; atthe conclusion of which, I had a visit from the monks.ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΘΗΚΗ