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Thursday 10 September 2020

Constantine thought

So the harm was already carried out, Constantine thought. Nor may he blame the troops who till now had thought-about their younger commander nearly a god for being oppressed by the data god himself had appeared to foretell Constantine’s demise within the coming battle for Rome. To level out that oracles and soothsayers usually couched their pronouncements in phrases that could possibly be interpreted a number of methods and thus be proved true regardless of the end result could be of little avail, he knew. It was first impression that seized maintain of the feelings, and that had already been carried out.


A sudden uproar from the camp forward introduced Constantine upright in his saddle, seeking to see its trigger. All over the place he noticed males falling on their faces within the reddish earth, crying out a reputation he didn’t perceive till all of the sudden he realized that it was “Apollo!”


“An indication!” Camianus croaked, his voice a hoarse bleat of terror. “An indication! There within the heaven across the solar!”


Constantine turned rapidly to look westward the place the solar nonetheless hung a number of hours above the distant sea. He noticed directly what had caught the eye of the troops and Camianus. Unfold over an arc of the sky that lined maybe a sixteenth a part of its complete circumference was an odd sample of sunshine rays flashing by way of the skinny cloud cowl that hid the traditional blue of the heavens.


“The radiance of Apollo!” Marcellinus’ voice broke on the phrases. “A warning ”


The unusual sample of sunshine in opposition to the skies did resemble the rays of the solar streaming out from a glowing middle typically depicted on the banners and units of Apollo. However the bars of sunshine crossed at their middle additionally reminded Constantine of one thing else that eluded him in the mean time, a sample he was sure he had seen earlier than, although he couldn’t bear in mind the place.


Subsiding as Constantine rode down


The shining gadget within the sky was already starting to fade and the momentary hysteria it had precipitated was subsiding as Constantine rode down into the camp. He referred to as an order to Crocus to set the boys to work, and the Gallic king lifted his voice in a loud bellow, commanding the troops so as to add an additional wall of palisades to the southern facet of the camp. The troopers moved to obey, although grumbling on the further obligation.


“Do you want my nephew anymore, Augustus?” Adrian requested.


“No. Thanks for the data you introduced, Camianus.” When Adrian too began to trip away Constantine referred to as him again. “You’re a Greek, aren’t you, Adrian?”

Monday 7 September 2020

Period of religious freedom

In the course of the persecutions, among the clergy had saved their lives by yielding up the Scriptures, as required by legislation, understanding that copies had been hidden in lots of the monastic facilities usually positioned within the desert or different outoftheway locations the place the persecutors by no means penetrated. The interval of spiritual freedom inaugurated by the Edict of Milan introduced an upsurge of controversy, nonetheless, with these of the clergy who had defied imperial energy and suffered torture and imprisonment accusing their unpersecuted brothers of mortal sin in making a pact with their persecutors and insisting that they be denied the best to manage the sacraments of holy communion, baptism, marriage and the like.


The controversy had flared briefly in Rome, when Maxentius had liberalized his remedy of the church, and at one time rival factions had even fought on the street, main Maxentius to grab all church properties there. After some eight years, Miltiades had been elected to the celebrated seat of the Bishop of Rome, nonetheless, and the Christians had been given again their property.


In Africa hassle now flared within the district of Cartilage. A brand new bishop, Caecilianus, had just lately been consecrated there by one Felix of Aptunga, however the latter was now branded a tradit or, as these of the clergy who had handed over the Holy Scriptures had been known as. And since, if the fees had been true, Felix was subsequently judged responsible of mortal sin within the eyes of the extra intransigent portion of the church, he was likewise incapable, of their eyes, of the laying on of palms by which the apostolic energy of Peter, gained from Christ himself, was given to the bishops. Refusing to acknowledge the authority of Caecilianus, the dissident faction subsequent named as bishop one Magorionus.


Caecilianus and the Donatists


The shifting spirit within the controversy was really a fiery priest named Donatus, recognized to his followers as Donatus the Nice, and the faction opposing Caecilianus quickly grew to become often known as the Dona tists. When Constantine, upon assuming energy in Italy and Africa, gave cash to the clergy to construct up their church buildings, it was naturally distributed to the common monks, who had been below the jurisdiction of Bishop Caecilianus, and the Donatists had been excluded. These promptly appealed to the Emperor, however Constantine, decided to depart church and theological issues strictly alone, left the choice of who was proper as much as a church council or synod, which convened at Rome that very same 12 months.

Friday 4 September 2020

Son and Dacius and Licinianus

However Constantine had no intention of glossing over the tragedy, or his half in it. His very actual agony for his son and Dacius and Licinianus, too, for the younger Caesar had been solely a boy was far too nice for him to let their deaths go unavenged. Moreover, he had given Dacius his solemn promise that these accountable could be punished.


“Give me the sheet,” he ordered the doctor. “However say nothing about it in the mean time. That is the one evi ” He was wanting on the bloodstained doc as he spoke and broke off in the midst of a phrase, his coronary heart abruptly hammering with pleasure. He’d thought when he had first seen it that there was one thing acquainted concerning the angular strokes with which the phrases of the warrant had been written. Now he remembered the place he had seen that very same handwriting earlier than.


Crispus Augustus of the West


It had been when he and Dacius had ridden out to the villa of Li by way of on the afternoon earlier than the ultimate day of the Vicennalia and he’d revealed to Dacius his plan to make Crispus Augustus of the West. The youngsters had been doing their classes with Lupus after they arrived, copying verses from a big sheet of parchment upon which the tutor had written a piece of the Aeneid. The angular script during which the poem the youngsters had been copying was written and that on the loss of life warrant he held in his hand had been the identical.


“Discover the tutor Lupus,” Constantine commanded the officer who stood by the door. “Convey him to my quarters at once.”


Lupus’ eyes had been cautious when two guards introduced him into the personal condominium.


“Do you know Basic Dacius tried to assassinate the Empress Fausta lower than an hour in the past?” Constantine demanded.


“I heard the commotion, Dominus. I hope he didn’t hurt the Empress.” The priority within the tutor’s voice appeared real.


“She is unhurt. A guard thrust him by means of with a spear earlier than he succeeded in killing her.”


“I shall make a sacrifice of thanksgiving for her security to Apoll ” “Dacius died a couple of minutes in the past, however not earlier than he warned me of a conspiracy that has already destroyed my son Crispus and Caesar Licinianus. Somebody cast loss of life warrants for each of them and likewise for Basic Dacius, signing them with my title.”

Wednesday 2 September 2020

Unhappy physician

The physicians may do little besides prescribe massive doses of poppy leaves crushed in honey or wine, a treatment for ache which had been in use for over a thousand years. One had the temerity to advocate that he lie in a sizzling bathtub, however the suggestion introduced on such a violent assault of anger that the sad doctor was pressured to flee for his life.


All that day and into the following, the ache lasted, dulled however not fully eliminated by the impact of the poppy. Even after it started to subside, the slightest effort would convey it on once more. For one who had identified the lively lifetime of a soldier throughout all types of campaigning, such a helpless situation was galling. And even when the physicians allowed him to be up a number of weeks after the start of his sickness, a brief stroll introduced on such a sense of issue in getting his breath that he hardly dared to stir from his room for an additional month.


Crispus, Fausta and Dacius


From anger at his personal incapacity to do even probably the most atypical issues himself, no nice step was required to resolve that the sickness from which he suffered was additional punishment for the deaths of Crispus, Fausta and Dacius. By the point Adrian arrived from the inspection of the jap frontier, Constantine was in a black temper certainly.


“It grieves me to seek out you in poor health, Dominus,” the Greek service provider mentioned.


“Not more than it grieves me. These cursed physicians will hardly let me stir ten paces overseas with out twittering round me like a flock of swallows.”


“However you might be higher?”


“The ache has gone, besides once I exert myself. However the pressure of protecting nonetheless is nearly as unhealthy because it was. What did you uncover within the East, Adrian?”


“Not a lot to make you are feeling higher, I’m afraid. The kings of Persia develop extra daring on daily basis. Now not can we commerce via the town of Nisibis on the jap frontier with the folks of India and the yellow males for spices and different wealthy items with out paying a tribute to the Persians that takes away all of the revenue.”

Saturday 29 August 2020

Celebrating the Vicennalia

As a marriage current, Constantine dispatched Crispus and Helena to Rome, the place the younger Caesar was to oversee preparations for celebrating the Vicennalia, the 20 th yr since Constantine had first been proclaimed Augustus by the individuals of Britain and Gaul. He didn’t point out to anybody his resolution to undertake Adrian’s suggestion that he elevate Crispus to the function of Augustus throughout the Vicennalia and make him ruler of the Empire’s western half, preferring to make that announcement in Rome itself.


Constantine’s personal plan to go to Rome a few month after Crispus’ departure was disrupted by a sudden invasion into Scythia and Moesia by the Sarmatians, a halfsavage individuals who lived north of the place the Danube emptied into the Pontus Euxinus. Rapidly placing a military collectively, he ready to march northward and punish the rebels, however Fausta had no intention of ready patiently in Nicomedia for his return.


Sarmatians delay the celebration


“How lengthy will the revolt of the Sarmatians delay the celebration of your Vicennalia?” she requested him the evening earlier than his departure.


“In all probability a number of months. I shall need to drive them again throughout their borders and set an instance for the Goths.”


“Why not destroy them? I hear they’re solely barbarians, with few weapons of iron.”


“However barbarians intelligent sufficient to beat that lack by making scale armor out of skinny slices lower from horses’ hooves and sewn on a thick tunic,” he informed her. “Such a garment can flip spears and arrows nearly as successfully as scales of metallic. And such individuals may be invaluable to the Empire.”


“How will you management them, then?”


“The identical manner, I hope, that I managed Bonar, the Piet chieftain, way back by convincing them they’ve extra to realize from an alliance with Rome than from preventing. In spite of everything, we’ve many issues they lack.” He gave her an appraising look, having way back discovered that questions on a topic about which she ordinarily didn’t concern herself often had some goal behind them. “Why do you ask?”

Thursday 27 August 2020

Dacius said quietly

“What have you learnt of redemption?” Constantine demanded. “You’re not even a Christian.”


“I used to be talking of redemption by one other apart from the Son of God if he actually have been that. By your self.”


“Now you’re speaking in riddles.” Constantine turned to Crocus. “Do you perceive him?”


“I do know nothing of Christianity,” the Gallic king admitted. “However I believe I do know what he means.”


“Then clarify it to me if you happen to please.”


“There’s no level in changing into offended at Crocus,” Dacius stated quietly. ‘Right now, when Nazarius was delivering his oration in reward of Crispus on the Quinquennalia and referred to as him the ‘most noble Caesar of his august father,’ I used to be watching your face. I noticed one thing mirrored there I’d hoped by no means to see envy of your individual »


son.


“That’s ridiculous.” Constantine managed himself with an important effort. “No, you’re proper. I do envy Crispus his youth, and what lies earlier than him. I envy him the adoration of the folks of Gaul and Britain that when was mine. Right here in Italy and the East, I hardly appear capable of please anybody anymore.” He turned upon Dacius virtually savagely. “You can not know what it’s to bear the duties of presidency. The countless complaints and bickering can drive a person mad.”


“Why hearken to them? Crispus leaves such issues to Eumenius, whereas he guards the frontier.”


Bassianus nice duty,


“Crispus has you two and Eumenius, however who can I belief right here? As soon as I put my confidence in Licinius and he failed me. I might have given Bassianus nice duty, however he tried to assassinate me. You don’t have any conception of what it’s to have the entire world look to you for closing judgment in all its controversies. Why, the followers of this priest Donatus alone have triggered me sufficient hassle to final a lifetime.”


“Destroy them then,” Dacius stated bluntly. “Or are you so afraid of your new god that you simply dare not act because the Emperor ought to?”


“Afraid?” Constantine discovered that he might study the phrase with out rancor. “No, not afraid. But when I settle for the favor of God, I need to attempt to reside in line with his legal guidelines and the rules taught by his Son.”

Tuesday 25 August 2020

Friendly connection with Britain

The French, having their very own curiosity in view, will conciliate the Greeks; they are going to construct an immense variety of (hips of the road; they are going to acquire above fifty thousand sailors, and fist up Ruffia from ail pleasant reference to Britain. Alarming as this propped is, we mufti not put purr palms earlier than our eyes, like youngsters, as a result of it’s frightful; however like males we mull behold it undauntedly and pressure each nerve to anticipate the enemy. The very second Ruffia declared warfare once more this nation, I proposed elevating all Greece in arms, and supporting them as a free and unbiased nation.


400 tons burthen ought to


The views of Bonaparte are the identical as these or the previous courtroom, to close up Ruffia on the fide of the Black Sea. At first their finish was completed, by supporting the Turks. In arranging the dispute between Ruffia and the Porte in 1778, by which the French ambassador was mediator, the stipulation of the treaty of Kainargi that no Ruffian vessel of greater than 400 tons burthen ought to cross the Dardanelles, was once more infilled upon; nor was this departed from till the reign of Paul, when circumstances obliged the Porte to undergo the passage of Ruffian ships of warfare. However when France not might assist the Turks, who had no intrinsic energy of their very own left entire former energy was vanished like a imaginative and prescient, he geared toward professing the Dardanelles herself.


It’s the interoffice of Nice Britain, whether or not we be at warfare or in peace with Ruffia, that France maintain not the Dardanelles; and, as Turkey is sort of out of the query, and there exists no different third energy, it’s our curiosity that Ruffia hoed this, key always; for we can not maintain it, nor can the Greeks, towards the good continental powers: and although or not it’s true that, with out the go away of Ruffia, we can not enter the Euxine, we will stop her ships from popping out of it, so long as now we have a maritime superiority in trio components, and occupy ports within the neighborhood of the Dardanelles.

Sunday 23 August 2020

Leshanah Tovah

“Eh, I ponder what would grow to be of all of us in America if we had been to maintain crying about European affairs? In fact, we must always assist them and do what is feasible, however crying may also help neither them nor ourselves. In any case, brother, life should go on. Inside some time, as an example, I’m to be on the golf hyperlinks the place the grass is inexperienced and the air exhilarating. For a when you overlook the entire world with its numerous troubles. Oh, Yosel, Yosel, once you arrived on this nation I begged you to grow to be higher acquainted with the American life. Why, who may inform, maybe you, too, would take pleasure in a recreation of golf. In fact I understand that it’s exhausting even to elucidate to a person of your mentality the which means of golf.”


Sam reminds himself that he should proceed his journey and elements along with his brother by providing the seasonal bless-ing—“Leshanah Tovah.”


After the night prayer Yosel goes house.


He has anticipated a reprimand from his older daughter for coming house late, however as an alternative he finds the entire household crying.


For some time he stands bewildered, not figuring out what has occurred. Yosel has all the time been aware of the family members he left behind him in zones of hazard in Europe. Who can inform, thought Yosel, perhaps some unhealthy information has been obtained from his family members within the warfare zone. In reply to his query, his daughter breaks right into a lament.


“Father, why search for misfortunes overseas? Tragedies could occur right here too…. Solely this morning Uncle Sam visited you within the synagogue on his technique to the golf membership…. Sure, Father, solely this morning… He was introduced house…. Properly, he performed an excessive amount of and fell useless from a coronary heart assault….”


When Yosel chants this 12 months’s “Yizkor” in reminiscence of the useless he contains his brother Sam, who had fallen useless on the inexperienced grass.

Saturday 22 August 2020

Some kind of a philosopher

Zagorsky is about to say extra when the door opens and their youthful son, Ben, is available in with books underneath his arms.


The offended father seizes him and sings out.


“Right here he’s, my educated son, with extra books underneath his arm. One would assume that the books are mounted to him with irons. I paid out for his training 1000’s of dollars, and I acquired for it some form of a thinker— they name it bachelor. Who the satan is aware of what it means? I’m not lucky like different fathers, who get for his or her cash, one son a lawyer and one other son a health care provider. I acquired one thing for my cash which hasn’t acquired the price of a bit of outdated iron in my yard.”


Mrs. Zagorsky hears her husband’s admonitions from the kitchen. Her coronary heart goes out to her son. She rushes into the entrance room holding the Chanukah lamp and candles.


“Once more you’re torturing that poor boy. What would you like of him? Haven’t we acquired sufficient medical doctors who don’t perceive a krenk? Proper in our household we have now two legal professionals, one now promoting knee pants and the opposite cemetery heaps. What would you like from our poor Ben? He defined repeatedly that inside a couple of months he’s going to get one other diploma after which he will probably be a trainer in highschool. He’ll educate different individuals to be educated since it’s too late to show you.”


Yellow Yapanchick


“Aha,” sings out the excited father private tours Istanbul, “he will probably be a melamed in English. Ain’t that nice! For this I spent a lot cash. As a substitute of being a melamed he ought to higher are available in his father’s iron yard and assist out slightly bit. The worth of iron goes up day-after-day. Not sufficient to produce the wants. Day-after-day we cope with individuals from the federal government. All the things is swallowed up in protection factories to struggle that soiled canine Hitler, and that yellow Yapanchick. With the federal government gents one should communicate a pleasant English and I’ve to ask different individuals, complete strangers to me, that they need to communicate for me as an alternative of getting my very own son. And that is all as a result of my son retains his nostril within the books as a way to grow to be an English melamed.”


Mrs. Max Zagorsky senses that there’s some justice in her husband’s criticism. At this very second there come to her thoughts the hardships and struggles her husband had gone by way of all these years. He’s in any case a superb father and a loyal husband. In a comfortable voice she appeals to her Max.

Friday 21 August 2020

Mrs Moskow herself

Unknown to Mrs. Moskow herself, a sure craving crept into her thoughts. It was a need to be a affected person in a hospital. After all, she didn’t wish to undergo painful experiences. She admired the attractive kimonos her sick pals wore. She too needed to have the expertise of getting guests with smiling faces to see her. The courtesy of the internes and the tenderness of the nurses enchanted her.


So, one lovely morning, she referred to as up her household doctor, Dr. Leon Financial institution, complaining that she was not feeling nicely.


Dr. Financial institution at all times felt that nothing critical might occur within the robust, wholesome household of the Moskows, besides on account of Mr. Moskow’s chubby which was attributable to consuming an excessive amount of strudel and different fattening meals. As for Mrs. Moskow, she was a specimen of well being and vigor. Her face didn’t present the variety of winters and summers she had spent on this earth.


Dr. Financial institution came to visit. He discovered his tentative affected person resting in mattress carrying an exquisite kimono.


He gave her a radical examination and pronounced her completely wholesome.


“You might be just a bit drained. Keep in mattress till tomorrow morning. You’ll be all proper.”


“No prescription?” she inquired.


“No want for any medication,” he answered.


He picked up his satchel and left the home.


That good-hearted soul, Mrs. Moskow, couldn’t con-trol her anger. She picked up the phone and referred to as her greatest pal, Becky.


“The concept!” she screamed. “Right here I’m sick and my physician tells me I’m nicely. I feel it’s time for a change. I should get a physician who is aware of his enterprise.”


It’s not identified what Becky needed to say on the opposite finish of the road. All we all know is that Mrs. Moskow saved on agreeing, saying, “Sure… sure… sure.”


Physician John Williamson


Two hours later, Physician John Williamson was at her bedside. After wanting her over in a well mannered method, he defined her case.


“Mrs. Moskow, there’s nothing the matter with you. Your pulse is regular and you haven’t any temperature. In nowadays when we have now such a scarcity of medical doctors, there isn’t any cause so that you can spend cash.”


“Why,” Mrs. Moskow exclaimed in a most disenchanted tone, “for my cash I can afford to have even double pneumonia.”

Thursday 20 August 2020

Biblical Tower of Babel

This, actually, is a phenomenon which one has seen earlier than, in Iraq, on the summit of the ziggurat at Birs Nimrod (Borsippa) which is historically thought-about to be the ruins of the Biblical Tower of Babel. However there one is compelled to imagine that the “tower” will need to have been repeatedly struck by lightning in some large electrical storm. For the strong brick work has vitrified like glass, and nice lots as huge as ice bergs are break up off and tumbled in any respect angles. However the phenomenon one had not seen beforehand to the Beyce sultan excavations, was the consequences of fireside on a stone construction strengthened with wooden. In lots of locations the stone had merely calcined into lime, in order that piles of white powder had been all that remained,


Below these circumstances, the issue which we present in tracing and reconstructing the partitions can properly be imagined. This was as soon as extra a case wherein one can see that no system of process devised by the writers of textual content books on the topic would have been within the least practicable.


Unusually irritating


One had merely to train nice endurance within the gradual elimination of the fallen and decayed materials: then to disentangle and research what remained, with a purpose to perceive the precept on which the constructing was constructed. There have been not less than two options which made this unusually irritating. One was the poor high quality of the particular pavements within the rooms, which merely consisted of crushed earth. In a few of the residential elements they had been coated with a reasonably thick layer of carbonised rushes; however in the primary reception rooms there was no overlaying in any respect: and one was compelled to imagine from numerous indications, that some form of carpet or woollen material had been laid over it (and naturally eliminated earlier than the fireplace).


Even a daily pavement of crushed earth would, in these instances, have made issues extra easy, since, by outlining its edge, one may have fastened the place of the partitions, which really now not existed. However right here one was up towards the extraordinary methodology of establishing the foundations, to which now we have already briefly referred, and which was actually solely partially defined after our sixth season of excavating.

Saturday 21 March 2020

Medical Academy

The Medical Academy is one other establishment which has accomplished a best work of civilization in Trendy Turkey. It may be mentioned that the Turkish “intelligentsia” consists largely of docs and medical college students. The technology of Turkish physicians which the Medical Academy has fashioned has taken a lead amongst European medical circles and lots of are the Turkish docs whose data, actions and discoveries in medical science have earned them professorships in France and Germany.


The Medical Academy, which is located in a big trendy constructing close to the station of Haidar Pasha, the headline of the Bagdad Railroad, is totally outfitted with all the necessities of recent science. It additionally maintains particular programs for nurses, which are actually highly regarded istanbul day tours amongst Turkish girls.


It will be tedious to speak at size of all the commercial faculties which have been organized up to now ten or fifteen years in Turkey. Suffice it to say that fairly a variety of them are in existence. However a particular point out must be manufactured from the 2 universities of Constantinople as they’re updated in each respect. One in all these universities is completely for ladies, the opposite is open to each sexes, and anybody who has seen a combined course the place younger Turkish girls, of their turning into to harshaf, sit on the identical benches and examine facet by facet with males college students can solely surprise how the legend of the seclusion of Turkish girls can nonetheless obtain credence in overseas international locations.


Muslim faith


In concluding His speedy define of Turkish faculties and the Turkish instructional system, my father talked about the completely different artwork faculties which are actually prospering in Turkey in addition to the medresses or theological faculties the place the Muslim faith is taught. I may see that our American associates had been particularly all in favour of these two topics and as we had been leaving my father’s home I used to be not shocked to have my impression confirmed. They needed to know extra about Turkish artwork and so they needed to study one thing in regards to the Muslim faith. In fact I can not say that this shocked me.


At any time when the phrase “artwork” is pronounced in reference to Turkey, it awakens within the thoughts of the westerners, particularly the People, solely carpets,


embroideries and laces, and dark-skinned, thick eye browed Armenian retailers attempting to promote at exorbitant costs these dainty artwork works of the Orient bought by them for a music usually from some poor girls who’ve used their eyes, their well being and their time for the last word function of bringing some soothing contact of colour into the fashionable houses of Europe and America, and lots of many dollars, pound Sterling, or napoleons, because the case could also be, into the financial institution accounts of the dark-skinned, thick eye browed retailers.

Monday 16 March 2020

Constantinople districts

They have been firmly decided not solely to take care of however even to increase the brand new Turkey to its correct racial and financial limits in order to incorporate, actually in addition to in identify, all nations and cities peopled by a Turkish majority equivalent to Constantinople and the districts of Thrace and Smyrna. To realize this object that they had already sacrificed their private consolation and their wealth. They have been now prepared to steer a very Spartan life to safe the success of their enterprise and they didn’t object to choosing


Angora and to organising right here the headquarters of their battle for liberty.


“So one positive day this half destroyed, quiet little .village of Angora, celebrated just for its cats and goats, was woke up by the inflow of a number of hundreds of lively, energetic and progressive males who had determined to make of it the middle of their actions, a spot destined to go into historical past because the capital of a nation able to “getting the goat” of probably the most distinguished statesmen of the age who thought or hoped ‘that Turkey was lifeless. Just like the Phoenix of mythology, the Turks have been reborn from the ashes of this burnt down village.


Beginning of a brand new authorities


“The village was swamped by the newcomers who lodged as finest they may in shacks and dirt huts. So long as they may settle right down to helping the painful travail of the beginning of a brand new authorities and of a brand new administration conforming to the needs of the individuals, and of a military able to defending the very dwelling and the very coronary heart of the nation, the newcomers didn’t thoughts. Probably the most distinguished and influential statesmen and navy leaders have been solely too glad to “pile up” beneath any type of roof which might provide them shelter.


“I purposely use the expression “pile up” because it precisely describes what occurred. As I’ve stated earlier than half of the village had been destroyed by hearth in order that there was barely sufficient place to lodge usually about two thirds of its personal inhabitants. And the newcomers numbered from six to eight thousand. You’ll be able to effectively think about the difficulties to deal with so as to lodge all these newcomers whenever you understand that even now after almost three years and the hasty erection of many short-term buildings the place is so overcrowded that it’s common to search out 4 or 5 of probably the most distinguished residents sharing the identical room.


 

Sunday 15 March 2020

This story is reprinted from the volume

Francis Bret Harte was born at Albany in 1839, and after receiving an extraordinary college schooling, went to California, in 1854. He tried instructing and mining, however with out success, after which labored as compositor on a San Francisco paper. Throughout that point he printed a number of verses and sketches. On the looks of The Luck of Roaring Camp within the Overland Month-to-month, he was hailed as a person of remarkable expertise as certainly he was.


It was he who popularized the Western story. Such tales as The Luck of Roaring Camp and The Outcasts of Poker Flat are typical of Harte at his finest. He was usually over-sentimental and at occasions he wrote primarily to be able to exhibit a trick-ending, within the method of O. Henry, however the story included on this quantity reveals that he may interpret and describe human beings in a masterly trend.


This story is reprinted from the amount The Luck of Roaring Camp, and so on. Copyright, 1872, by Houghton Mifflin & Co., Boston, by whose permission it’s right here used.


The Outcasts of Poker Flat


As Mr. John Oakhurst, gambler, stepped into the principle road of Poker Flat on the morning of the 23d of November, 1850, he was aware of a change in its ethical ambiance for the reason that previous night time. Two or three males, conversing earnestly collectively, ceased as he approached, and exchanged vital glances. There was a Sabbath lull within the air, which, in a settlement unused to Sabbath influences, seemed ominous.


Mr. Oakhurst`s calm, good-looking face betrayed small concern in these indications. Whether or not he was aware of any predisposing trigger was one other query. “I reckon they`re after anyone,” he mirrored: “probably it`s me.” He returned to his pocket the handkerchief with which he had been wiping away the pink mud of Poker Flat from his neat boots, and quietly discharged his thoughts of any additional conjecture.


In reality, Poker Flat was “after anyone.” It had recently suffered the lack of a number of thousand dollars, two beneficial horses, and a distinguished citizen. It was experiencing a spasm of virtuous response, fairly as lawless and ungovernable as any of the acts that had provoked it. A secret committee had decided to rid the city of all improper individuals. This was completed completely in regard to 2 males who had been 1 lien hanging from the boughs of a sycamore within the gulch, and emptily within the banishment of sure different objectionable characters.


I remorse to say that a few of these had been women. It’s however as a result of intercourse, nevertheless, to state that their impropriety was skilled, and it was solely in such simply established requirements of evil that Poker Flat ventured In sit in judgment.

Saturday 14 March 2020

The attributes of the Parliament

Anyhow, the Structure, because it exists, was the work of Russia. This truth accounts, to my pondering, for the singularity of the constitution. The impression left on one’s thoughts by its perusal is that the constitution should be the joint composition of two authors the one an admirer of autocratic authorities, the opposite a partisan of unbridled democracy ; and that these authors, being unable to agree on any frequent scheme, had compromised issues by arranging that every in flip ought to contribute alternate clauses.


The preamble states that the Principality of Bulgaria is to be an hereditary and constitutional monarchy with a nationwide Parliament The clauses defining the respective attributions of the sovereign and the Parliament are drawn up, within the former case, on probably the most autocratic rules; within the latter case, in accordance with excessive democratic concepts. The place assigned by the Structure to the monarch could also be summarized as follows


No legal guidelines handed by the Parliament are legitimate with out the sanction of the Prince. By proper of his workplace he’s chief of the military, and has absolutely the energy of appointing or dismissing all officers within the service. In the identical method the Ministers are nominated by him, and could also be disadvantaged of their submit at his good will and pleasure. They aren’t essentially members of the Sobranje, although they’ve the proper of collaborating within the debates; and their tenure of workplace is unbiased of the problem, whether or not they do or don’t possess the boldness of a Parliamentary majority. Each decree emanating from the Prince and countersigned by his Ministers is binding on the chief.


However, the attributes of the Parliament underneath the constitution are nearly co-extensive with the powers of the Prince. Common manhood suffrage is asserted to be the regulation of the land. Each Bulgarian male citizen who has attained the age of twenty-one, and is in pos-session of his civil rights, is entitled to vote. All residents of thirty years of age, who’re in a position to learn and write, are eligible as representatives.


In line with the unique Structure there was to be one deputy for each ten thousand souls all through the Principality; by a subsequent change, nevertheless, there may be solely now one deputy for each twenty thousand electors. The members of the Sobranje are assured absolute freedom of speech, and are usually not liable to arrest or trial throughout the session of Parliament with out the earlier consent of the Chamber. No provision of any variety is made for a Second Chamber. The deliberations of the Sobranje are open to the general public; and no navy pressure is allowed to be stationed in or close to their place of meeting.


 

Thursday 12 March 2020

Well in Religion

Faith may be well in religion, but in politics, distrust is better. From the earliest periods, when tradition was the only record, to the present time, it has been the almost invariable etiquette to precede wars, however unjustifiable, by justificatory appeals.


But there is another and a safer way of proceeding’ in this instance, than by instituting an acute or critical inquiry into the bearing of some studied paper, drawn up possibly with the express intent of eluding this ingenious description of ordeal, namely, by the past policy of the state referred to,   its interests either real or apparent, the character of its preparations, the amount and position of its armies, magazines, depots.


But we have been told of the moderation and good faith of the Emperor Alexander, and now the same qualities are as liberally bestowed on the Czar Nicholas. The former is indeed well known to have been of an amiable disposition and of great amenity and goodness of heart, whose memory therefore well deserves being cherished by his subjects.


Indefatigable administrator


He was a successful, indefatigable administrator in all the departments ; a martinet in military details, but destitute of the higher qualifications of that or any other art; a civilian by temperament; and, though incapable of creating great plans, laboring with a laudable and unwearied assiduity on those that were handed down to him by his celebrated progenitors. Furthermore, it may fairly be assumed, that, in his greatest peril, he evinced a calm fortitude, and in the hour of victory was not devoid of equanimity. Here his panegyric ceases.


Fickleness, political immorality, and, to use a gentle term, political duplicity of the deepest die, are flagrantly distinguishable of his public deportment in other respects. From the treaty of Titlist, or at least from the interview at Erfurt, he appears to have been totally deluded, perverted, or subdued by the magic superiority of Napoleon’s genius.


He came into Austria, to assist the Emperor Francis; soon after he joined in an attack on that Prince, and accepted, as his share in the spoil, Austrian Galicia. He entered the North of Germany, ostensibly to restore the then profoundly and not undeservedly oppressed Prussian King: he was almost instantly beaten, and bribed into an iniquitous compact, which transferred to him a good portion of his Prussian friend’s dominions. He now required, that his brother-in-law of Stockholm should imitate this memorable versatility, and declare war against England. The Swede refused to violate his engagements.


Alexander invited the subjects of his relative to forswear their allegiance, made pecuniary tenders to the Swedish soldier)’, invaded Sweden, permanently possessed himself of those commanding stations and bulwarks of the Baltic, Finland, Bothnia, Aland, leagued with an infamous party of boy adds against their Sovereign, and, in short, compassed the deposition of the imprudent Gustavo’s.


 

Wednesday 11 March 2020

THE BULGARIAN NATIONALITY

It is my object to deal with the present and future of Bulgaria, not with the past. But in order to understand the present it is necessary to recall the past; and for this reason, I wish to show how Bulgaria, as now constituted, has a genuine claim to be called a nation.


The Low Countries have been described as the cockpit of Europe. The Balkan Peninsula has a much better title to this historic appellation. Hordes of barbarians, one after another, moved by some unknown impulse, poured in endless succession from Central Asia into Europe during the decline of the Roman Empire, crossed the Balkans on their march southwards; occupied the land, which is now called Bulgaria, for periods of indefinite duration; and after years, or it may be centuries, of sojourn, moved further afield, either in search of new pastures, or because they were themselves driven onwards by the advance of some fresh horde of wanderers, following along the same track that their predecessors had pursued. This page of European history is so utterly obscure, that it is matter of dispute whether the Sclav invasion first crossed the Danube three or six centuries after the birth of Christ. All that seems even approximately certain is that within the above-named limits the Sclavs occupied the various regions which we now know as Russia, Poland, Bohemia, Transylvania, Macedonia, Roumelia, and Bulgaria, and established themselves in these regions as masters, either destroying the original occupants or absorbing them in their own dominant nationality.


The words of Scripture


The whole history of these remote times appears to me to be contained in the words of Scripture, that “ when the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armour . . . and divideth his spoils.” The Sclavs of the Balkan Peninsula met with their stronger man in the person of the Bulgars, a Tartar tribe, kindred in race to the Turks, who, towards the close of the seventh century, swept down across the Balkans, carrying all before them.


I feel the utmost of diffidence in expressing any opinion of my own as to the history of this obscure and distant era. My knowledge on this subject is of the most superficial kind, derived solely from what little I have read. But I give, for what it is worth, the impression left on my mind from cursory reading, and from local traditions, that the Bulgars, though they have bequeathed their name to the country over which they once ruled, never occupied it or settled themselves in it, in the same sense as their predecessors, the Sclavs, had done.


In common with their kinsmen the Turks, the Bulgars were a ruling race, a tribe of predatory warriors; but as their power and their vigour died away, they became gradually merged in the subject race, over whom they had originally held mastery as conquerors, and adopted the Sclav language and the Sclav nationality. Since the era of the Bulgars, Greeks, Serbs, Turks, have in succession held sway over Bulgaria; but for some twelve centuries the population of Bulgaria have remained Sclavs in race and language, and though for a period of less duration— Sclavs in religion. The Bulgarians, in fact, claim upwards of a thousand years of distinct nationality; and if this claim is not sufficient to constitute a nation, few of the peoples of Europe have any ground to consider themselves an historic nationality.

Tuesday 10 March 2020

Egypt dwelt two sons

In Egypt dwelt two sons of a nobleman, one of whom acquired learning, and the other gained wealth. The former became the most learned man of his time, and the other prince of Egypt. Afterwards the rich man looked with contempt on his learned brother, and said, “I have arrived at monarchy, and you have continued in the sartte state of poverty.” He replied, “ 0 brother, it behooved me to be the more thankful to the divine Creator, since I have found the inheritance of the prophets, that is, wisdom ; and you have got the portion of Pharaoh and Hainan, or the kingdom of Egypt. I am the ant, which men tread under their feet, and not the wasp, of whose sting they complain. How shall I express my grateful sense of such blessing, that I am not possessed of the means of oppressing mankind? ”


Heard of Durwesh


I heard of a Durwesh, who was suffering great distress from poverty, and sewing patch upon patch, but who comforted himself with the following verse : ‘ I am contented with stale bread and a coarse woolen frock, since, it is better to bear the weight of one’s own necessities, than to suffer the load o obligation from mankind.’ Somebody said to him “Why do you sit quiet, whilst such one in the city has a liberal mind and possesses universal benevolence, being ever willing to assist the pious and always ready to comfort every heart. If h were apprised of your condition, he would consider it an obligation to satisfy your wants.” He replied, “ Be silent, for it is better to die of want than to expose our necessities to any one : for they have said, that to sew patch upon patch and be patient, is preferable to writing a petition to a great man for clothing.” Of a truth, it is equal to the torments of hell, to enter into paradise by the help of one’s neighbor.


Kings of Persia


One of the kings of Persia sent a skilful physician to Mustufa (upon whom be peace!). He had been some years in Arbia without any one having come to make trial of his skill, neither had they applied to him for any medicine. One day he came to the prince of prophets, and complained, saying, “They sent me to dispense medicines to your companions, but to this day no one hath taken notice of me, that I might have an opportunity of performing the service to which I had been appointed.” Mohammed replied, “It is a rule with these people never to eat until they are hard pressed by hunger, and to leave off eating whilst they have a good appetite.” The physician said, “This is the way to enjoy health.” He then made his obeisance and departed. The physician begins to speak when evil would result from his silence; either when there is eating to excess, or when death might ensue from too much abstinence. Then doubtless his speech is wisdom, and such a meal will be productive of health.


In introducing this book, there are good reasons why one should start with a reassurance to the reader. In our own time, remarkable advances have been made in the improvement of archaeological method and practice: and during the past decade, a dozen handbooks have been produced, explaining the principals involved, illustrating their effectiveness and advocating their adoption. One would think there is hardly room for another: and indeed, this is not intended to be one.


It will deal with a particular aspect of archaeology. a particular kind of archaeological excavation, as practiced in one very vitally important group of countries. Even so, it will not pretend to be a comprehensive survey of what has been done there or of the methods adopted. For it is based largely on the personal experience of a particular excavator. Its primary purpose is to share that experience and the knowledge derived from it, with others who may benefit from it, before the pattern of recollected inferences loses its precision.


When, in 1961, I gave up my appointment as director of the archaeological institute in Ankara, I had almost completed a third of a century of continuous residence in the Near East: and during that period, hardly a year passed when I was not engaged in the supervision of an archaeological excavation. Almost all these excavations took place within the limits of what the American historian, James Henry Breasted, first called the “Fertile Crescent55: and the use of that phrase introduces the necessity for an immediate definition of the geographical area which the book is intended to cover. In addition, here it at once becomes apparent that Breasted’s phrase will not serve our purpose.

Monday 9 March 2020

Fortress to the Turks

The Turks who had been banished were to return into the towns and Palanks. Nothing else, it was said, could be meant by the Peace of  Bucharest. .Jt now remained for Kara George to verify his words, and to submit to what had been agreed upon by the two Emperors; and any one dissatisfied with this arrangement was at liberty to emigrate.


But if the Servians were to deliver up their arms, and the Turks were to resume their possessions, a still further rc establishment of the former state of things was to be expected. To these demands, therefore, the deputies could not, and would not, agree. Consequently, towards the spring, the Turkish troops assembled close to the Servian frontiers. They had also other business in that neighbourhood; to act against Molla Pacha, the successor of Passwan Oglu, at AViddin; whom, as one who had raised himself to independent power, the Sultan was no longer disposed to tolerate.


In order to save himself, Molla Pacha had at one time actually offered to surrender his citadel to the Servians; but when it came to the point, he could not, as a “good Turk,” make up his mind to take a step so decisive in favour of Christians. Nor, perhaps, would the oiler have been accepted; as the Servians had received express instructions from St. Petersburg to remain quiet, and by no means to provoke the Turks; who would not then venture to violate the existing treaty. At the same time, Molla Pacha, pressed by his opponents in the town itself, was under the necessity of surrendering his fortress to the Turks.


Kara George now .found himself oldiged to concede an important point to the Turks. He consented to admit their garrisons into the fortresses ; but jon condition that.their small arms, which they had formerly been permitted to wear, should be left to the Servians. He also insisted that, at all events, those Turks who had been expelled should not be permitted to return; as on this unquestionably depended the peace of the country.


Never had the two parties seemed nearer coming to an agreement. The Tschelebi Effendi, an aged man, who had brought many a difficult business to a successful termination, felt confident that he should be equally fortunate on the present occasion. He sent the proposals of the Servians to Constantinople, and promised them an early decision. It is needless to inquire whether he really expected this ; but in fact it was now impossible.


Were not these the same contentions and disputes which had been the principal causes of the war ? Could it be imagined that the Spahis   who formed a large portion of the army, which was already on the boundary of the country   would consent to be excluded from what they deemed their inheritance: at a moment too, when every thing seemed favourable for its recovery ?


The Turks were again in possession of Moldavia and Wallachia, as well as of Widdin, and were also masters of Bulgaria. They were moreover inspired with peculiar confidence; from the circumstance that in the course of that very spring, the Holy Cities in Arabia had been freed from the Wechabites, and their keys brought to Constan tinople. Under this aspect of affairs, would the victorious armies of the Grand Signior hesitate to commence the war with the rebellious Servian Raja?


At that very time, also, was received the news of the battle of Lut/.en, which was regarded as a defeat of the Russians ; and all fear of them was entirely cast aside. Resides, the Turks did not consider that they had broken the treaty; since the Servians rejected the interpretation which the Porte had given to it.


Determined to maintain the privileges of Islamism undiminished within the boundaries of the Empire, the Turkish army advanced towards the; Servian frontiers, and recommenced the war.

Sunday 8 March 2020

Turkish peasant soldiers

Five times a day they give thanks to the Almighty, fervently confirm their faith that there is no god but God, and beg Him to assist them in following the straight path, the path to salvation. Can people of this kind be as black as they are represented abroad? Is it not monstrous to accuse them of so many dark crim.es? Is it not criminal to even give credence without investigating to all of the deeds they are represented as doing by people who must have an ulterior motive?


For my part I can’t believe these people capable of even hurting a fly or of killing a wolf, unless it be in self-defense. And I can truthfully say that my belief is not based on sentimental reasons or influenced by patriotic motives. I know the people, I have watched them for days and months from our windows in Stamboul, these Turkish peasant soldiers of Anatolia; I have read in their eyes only resignation, passivity, and love. I have seen how they treat little children, how they take care of poor stray dogs. No, they cannot possibly harm anyone unless it be in self-defense.


From the upper story of our house we can see the entrance of the Bosporus, that enchanting piece of blue water which lures all that have seen it once. We see it through the branches of trees, between the Sublime Porte and a brick building on the left, the headquarters of some newspaper. Towering above it are the houses of Galata and


Pera amphitheater


Pera forming an amphitheater much more pleasing to the eye at a distance than from nearby. We also see the dark green trees of the park of the Old Seraglio, where a few slender towers, a few slanting gray roofs mark the position of its imperial buildings. Truly our house is situated in the heart of Stamboul that is why we can feel it throbbing so plainly, that is why we can learn to know her so well.


The famous Santa Sophia, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed with its six slender minarets, the Square of the Hippodrome, Where the decadent emperors of Byzance held horse races nearly six centuries ago, even the famous bazaars are all within our range, almost within view of our house. And we pass our first weeks after we have settled in visiting all these places, not as tourists, but for the purpose of knowing them, of communing with them so that we will feel that we have become one with our surroundings.

Friday 6 March 2020

You Put Together Stunning Outfits

Every woman has been confronted with fashion frustrations — whether standing in front of a closet full of clothes and feeling like she has nothing to wear or faced with a faux-pas in public (ugh!). Learning to dress chic and stylish every day is a skill that requires knowledge of what’s trending and confidence in your own unique style and appearance!


Though the world of fashion is amazing and can allow us to express ourselves in creative ways, it can feel overwhelming when there are so many choices available. In this helpful style guide, we’ve picked out the top 15 tips that can help any woman feel more comfortable forming her own style. Read on, fashionistas.


Organize your closet


When it comes to dressing stylishly, it really can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to have an organized closet. With a clean closet, you will be able to find what you’re looking for in a rush and still be able to sprint out the door looking top-notch. After all, how can you put together stunning outfits if you don’t even know all that you have?


First thing to do is sort through all your clothes and decide on what’s too old and outdated and can be donated (or just plain thrown out!). Once you’ve decluttered your space a bit, organize the remaining items into categories: fancy blouses, casual tops, sweaters, etc. Hang the items that should be hung and fold the rest neatly, making sure you have enough space and compartments for all of your categories.


Lastly, invest in a shoe rack: there is nothing more annoying than coming across the perfect shoe for your outfit, but being unable to find its mate! After a refreshing spring cleaning, you’ll feel re-inspired by the wonderful wardrobe you didn’t even know you already have.

Thursday 5 March 2020

Bulgarian character

I may confirm to some extent these testimonies to the Bulgarian character by statements which were made to me in the course of casual conversation by foreign residents, who have had long personal experience of the country and its people. The managing director of one of the leading railways assured me that Bulgaria was the only place he had ever known where you could leave money about your offices or rooms with perfect safety, even if the doors were open—a statement which, on a small scale, I could corro-borate from my own observation. The manager of a foreign bank in Bulgaria remarked to me that in all his experience as a banker in many parts of the world, he had never known bank customers who repaid loans made to them so honestly as the Bulgarian peasant farmers. An English gentleman, who has resided in Bulgaria and owned land there for the greater part of a long life, gave me as the result of his experience that, if you wanted work done in Bulgaria, you got it done more quickly and more cheaply if you engaged Bulgarian workmen by the day, than if you contracted for the job by piecework. It would be absurd to say that these various statements are conclusive proofs of the general honesty of the Bulgarians. But they go some way to show that, to say the least, they are not less honest than their neighbours.


It should be borne in mind that the persons from whom an ordinary traveller derives most of his information in Bulgaria are generally people connected in some way or other with the diplomatic service. All this class of infor-mants, no matter what their nationality, are unconsciously biased by their partiality for the Turks. I do not wonder at this partiality. I suspect that in their place I should enter-tain much the same sentiment. Whatever the defects of the “unspeakable Turk” may be as a master, it is difficult to overrate his merits as an acquaintance. He is an infinitely more satisfactory personage to deal with than the average Levantine, or Sclav, or Greek. He has a value for truth which renders him unwilling, to say the least, to tell a lie without a motive; he has a sense of self-respect which makes him dislike being detected in double dealings, even if it is not strong enough to ensure his uprightness; he is polished in manner, dignified, and courteous. In fact, to put the matter briefly, the Turk is the gentleman of Eastern Europe; and therefore all diplomatists who have to do with the East are prejudiced in his favour, and are disposed to side with him as against the native races which have revolted, or are endeavouring to revolt, against his rule.


Progress of Bulgaria


It happens, too, that from a variety of reasons the progress of Bulgaria is viewed with extreme jealousy, not only by Russia, but by Greece and Servia. In consequence, Russians, Greeks, and Serbs, who come into much closer contact with the West than the Bulgars, are only too glad to join in any outcry against the Piedmont of the Balkans. The Bulgarians are not, I admit freely, an engaging or a particularly attractive people; they have no literature, no artistic tastes, no great intellectual culture, and no dramatic qualities. They are simply a race of peasants with all a peasant’s meannesses and prejudices, but also with all the peasant’s virtues of industry and frugality. I remember many years ago, when travelling in the Western States of America that, as we crossed the prairies of Illinois in the tram, there was an old Irishwoman seated in the comer of the car I occupied. Somebody in the car made a disparaging remark about the dreary monotony of the endless plains over which we were passing. The old woman seemed to take the comment as an insult to the country, and, pointing to the homesteads rising out of the prairie, remarked rather to herself than to anybody else, “ Sure and it is a blessed country; I think God made it for the poor.” And as I travelled through Bulgaria the memory of this incident often came back to my mind, and I thought that this, too, was a blessed country, made by God for the peasant.

Wednesday 4 March 2020

Visit Your New Home

Are you planning for a long-distance move to another city? Well! it sounds really exciting and adventurous but long-distance moving requires a great deal of time, effort and much more. Long-distance moving requires planning and preparation beforehand to organize your every move so that you can move comfortably to a new place with ease.


Long-distance moving can be a challenging task since it is a big life decision and each member of your family should be an equal part of this major life-altering decision. There are a number of moving companies in Maryland who can help you in this hectic process but it is very essential to research thooughly to find the best movers.


So, if you’re planning for this big move then we’ve listed a few do’s and don’ts which will help you understand this process so that you can move easily into your new home.


Btrategize


Long Distance moving requires you to plan ahead before the big move. You will need to create a step by step strategy on how you’re going to proceed for a smooth transition. Always do all the research before you move your life to a new place before you start actually living. Check out the area for jobs, a school for kids, neighborhood, police stations, convenience stores, and other places.


Don’t rely on shady movers which can cause a lot of issues for you in the moving process. Get everything sorted first so that it can be crystal clear that this life-altering decision is good for your family.


Always create a budget for everything you will need for long-distance moving. In addition to this, do not forget the cost of items you will need to buy once you reach your new home.


Hire Professional moving company


This is the most crucial step which you need to take into consideration while deciding to make the big move. There are a number of movers in Montgomery, MD who can assist you with long-distance moving but finding the right one can be tricky sometimes.


Do not rely on false promises made by a lot of moving companies instead do your research well, read reviews, ask people around to find the best professional movers in the area so that you can handle this transition hassle-free.


This is very crucial when it comes down to long-distance moving to get a clear picture of what’s in store for you. Visiting your new home will help in visualization of your new life and also help you with the preparation process to move all your stuff to the new place.


Don’t procrastinate until the moving day instead prepare everything beforehand to ensure a hassle-free transition to a whole new place.


Conclusion


These simple yet powerful do’s and don’ts will give you an insight on how to prepare yourself before one of the major life-altering decisions of your life. Long-distance moving can be intimidating and exhausting but if you plan everything properly and follow certain guidelines then the process can become easy and comfortable.


Don’t waste so much time thinking and worrying instead act proactively and wrap up everything on time. The professional movers will handle most of the things for you and you can also seek help from your friends.


So, if you follow these simple do’s and don’ts then you can accomplish the hectic task of long-distance moving stress-free and you can settle down in your new home and get started with your new life.

Tuesday 3 March 2020

Dionysus was born twice

Apparently, Anatolia now has a wide range of deities. Greek religion begins to dominate local Anatolian beliefs. Especially the hegemony of Olympian gods is fairly felt.


In the beginning, humankind creates his own god and god­dess as he can’t explain natural events. In an effort to understand the happenings around, mankind charges the deity with the con­trol of all natural events.


The deities are both immortal and live in their own dimen­sions which are not understandable by humans. That is; the deity created by humans was so far away from them in the beginning and didn’t have humanistic features; however, when the deities had been enriched by various peoples throughout centuries, par­ticularly in Greek religion characters of the deities began to re­semble that of humans. As can be noticed in Greek religion, the deities were now jealous, flirtatious, treacherous, telling lies and falling in love. The reason of this change is that Man wanted to justify his actions by imposing all of the characteristics he didn’t like in himself on the gods and goddesses he created.


Greek religion was popular with its patriarchy. The man can cheat on woman yet woman can never. Of course, even great Zeus cuckolds his wife Hera hundreds of times, but Hera has always connived at these and waited patiently. If immortal Hera is wait­ing, why shouldn’t mortal women wait?


Homosexual relationships were so common in Greek society. The reason of this was that these kinds of relationships were also attributed to the deities. Finally, the previous gods and goddesses whom primitive man created lost their pure, protective and fertile natures in time. Since Man lost his innocence when he departed from nuclear family model and began to urbanize. Now, Man is a liar, rascal and cruel. All of these are perhaps the natural result of developing social life. When people adopted these behaviors and life style, they directed all of their characteristics to the dei­ties. Everything has shown parallelism. Humankind makes fun of his god for whom he respects previously. And as a result of this degeneration, a period of monotheistic religions is going to commerce.


Humankind, a perfect being, has always struggled to know and understand himself consciously or unconsciously from the beginning. He begins with identifying nature and natural events, and in this context, develops his own belief system.


In the course of time, man gradually solves the natural events around him and makes clear the features of his deities. From the moment when man improves himself and begins to have a con­trol over the nature, he turns away from the deities whom he has created and worshipped.


As a matter of fact, loss of belief comes out this time. Loss of belief rises in time and this leads to a social and moral breakdown among people. In this decadence, God begins to present his true face through his prophets in different ways.


Before moving to monotheistic religions, there are a few more topics to talk about. They are recounted below.


Dionysus’ Religion and Its Practice


Joining Greek deities later on, the god Dionysus is of Anatolian origin. He is the son of the God Zeus and mortal Semele. In the mythology of birth whose details we will skip, Semele dies during her pregnancy. As a result of Semeles death, Zeus cuts her womb and takes fetal Dionysus out and matures him in his own thigh. Developing as a fetus in Semeles womb; however completing the process of birth in his fathers calf, Dionysus was born twice in a different situation and delivered by Zeus.


Dionysus is the god of wine and joy. It is clear why he is a late arrival among the Greek gods. Ih time, the society spending all their days with love, joy and wine needs a god who will arrange all these feasts.

Thursday 13 February 2020

Northern banks of the Danube

Bulgarians indeed were deprived of the compelled to sign his abdication, and carried off as a prisoner into Russian territory on the northern banks of the Danube. The abduction gave rise to as strong a manifestation of popular sentiment in Bulgaria as could be expected in a country which had been trained for centuries in the doctrine of passive submission to the powers that be. Public opinion throughout Europe insisted upon” the Prince’s release, and he returned to Bulgaria amidst/ general demonstrations of good-will and affection.


He had no sooner, however, been replaced upon his throne, than he came to the conclusion that he was fighting a too unequal contest in his struggle with Russia, and he then and there announced his abdication of the throne he had occupied so gallantly and, on the whole, with such success.


The second abdication was made of his own free will, and, in the face of his apparent vacillation of purpose, it is difficult to believe that Prince Alexander was of the stuff out of which the men who make history are built. It is fair to say, on the other hand, that he him a good killer and brave soldier, and that under circular Stances of exceptional difficulty, he won the affection, and confidence of a people, not .prone to bestow confidence or affection lightly.


Bystanders who were present when the Prince’s dead body was brought to Sofia for interment assured me that, amidst the dense crowd collected along the route through which the funeral procession passed, there was scarcely a person present who was not in tears.


Prince Alexander


Upon, the resignation of Prince Alexander, the Pro-Russian Kaulbars adventure balkan tours was sent from St. Petersburg as a sort of official liquidator of the Bulgarian difficulty; his first step was to insist on an amnesty being granted to all persons who had been concerned in Prince Alexander’s abduction. The Regents, who had been appointed when the Prince resigned, hesitated about complying with these instructions.


Thereupon Russian men-of-war were sent to Varna, and the amnesty was granted. Subsequently General Kaulbars made a progress through the country and delivered a number of speeches, calling on the Bulgarians to return members to the Sobranje pledged to support Russia and to oppose the policy of the Regency. The country, however, returned an overwhelming majority in favour of the Regency.


Upon this, General Kaulbars was recalled, and all diplomatic relations between Russia and Bulgaria were brought to a close. This state of things remains unchanged to the present day. An attempt was made to induce the Sobranje to elect as ruler the Prince of Mingrelia, a hanger-on of the Russian Court. The proposal, however, was rejected.


The crown was then offered to Prince Waldemar of Denmark, and declined by him. Finally, after various abortive negotiations, Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg was elected as the successor of Prince Alexander. With his accession Bulgaria may be said to have commenced her existence as a State, independent alike of Turkey on the one hand and Russia on the other.


The present position of the Principality is no doubt anomalous. The Prince has been duly elected by the National Assembly as provided by the Constitution. He has now reigned for some six years as the de facto sovereign of the country. His Government is in close and friendly relations with the Porte; and it is notorious that the Sultan, as Suzerain of Bulgaria, would be willing at any moment, and has been willing ever since the Prince’s accession, to recognize him formally as the legal successor of Prince Alexander of Battenberg.


 

Wednesday 12 February 2020

The Warmth Of The Summer Season

There seems to be something about the warmth of the summer season that encourages able bodied adults to put on the strangest things. Not sure whether this is the result of the scorching hot temperatures that somehow fry their abilities to dress accordingly or the carefree attitudes of “summer break” that makes them believe they can take a “break” from caring about what they throw on. Whatever the case is, it must stop.


Of course we can’t all afford to dress like we’re headed for a red carpet event or runway show, but we can at the very least make sure we look good when heading out the door each day. Below, are a few fashion faux pas from head to toe that you should try and steer clear of this summer.


Hat Fashion Failures


Some of the most common fashion mistakes when it comes to donning a hat are:


Wearing a Beanie – a new popular trend (general among the younger generations) is wearing a beanie. Beanies are knitted hats (with or without a ball on top) that are designed for the winter – enough said.


Wearing a Fedora – unfortunately guys if you were looking into wearing a fedora this summer, you should probably steer clear as many claim fedoras are simply out of style.


Leather Baseball Caps – what’s the worst way to keep cool during the summer? To wear a leather baseball cap and keep all that heat stored up inside your body. Let’s leave these hat trends to the colder months when you actually want to stay warm.


Shirt Fashion Failures


What could you possibly be doing wrong when it comes to purchasing shirts in the summer time? Here are a few:


Form Fitting Shirts – While this fashion faux pas is geared more towards women, there are some men that probably shouldn’t be rocking a muscle shirt either. Anyways, in the summer time you want to feel cool and the worse way to do this is to throw on a shirt that cuts off your circulation. Not to mention a shirt can hug you in all the wrong places and give way to things like “muffin tops” which we can all agree is not a fashion trend.


Spaghetti Strap Tank tops – Spaghetti strap tank tops are certainly a fashion no, no. These tank tops are designed for layering purposes only. All too often you see women wearing spaghetti strap tanks and their bras are hanging out which can look so unappealing. If you’re going to wear one, let’s hope you’re headed to the beach.


Pant/Bottom Fashion Failures


Here are a few issues with pants and bottoms during the summer:


Skorts – It’s a shocker that they still make these for women, but it is a big fashion no, no.  By no means after the age of 13 (maybe) should you be wearing skorts during the summer. Choose one… either you wear a skirt or some shorts and call it a day.


Short, Shorts – You might think this one was just for the ladies but I’ve seen a few men wearing shorts that were too short. If it’s so short you can see the coloring of your thighs change it’s too short. No one (expect your significant other) wants to see that.

Tuesday 4 February 2020

Standard Oil Company

There, on our extreme left and near the water, is the country estate of Khedive Ismail Pasha, father of the last Khedive of Egypt who was dethroned by England during the war because of his pro Turkish sentiments. Ismail Pasha’s estate is in Europe but the hills which seem next to it are on the other side, in Asia, and the funny looking buildings on top as well as the low buildings on the shore are the depots of the Standard Oil Company. They used to belong to an uncle of Madame Ismet Bey but now they belong to the Standard Oil.


No, her uncle has not sold his rights: it just happened that the Standard Oil stepped in before he had time to have them renewed. His house, or what used to be his house is the one just opposite us. He used to have the most beautiful caiks in the Bosporus, ten or fifteen years ago, and his wife and his daughters would go every Friday to the Sweet Waters of Asia in those long, slim racing barks, with tapering ends, rowed by three or sometimes four boatmen with flowing sleeves, a beautiful embroidered carpet covering the stern, its corners trailing in the sea. He used to have a passion for flowers and you can see even from here the roof of the hothouse where he grew the most exotic plants he could think of: rare varieties of chrysanthemums and poppies from the Far East private tours istanbul, tulips from Turkestan and Persia, mogra and lotus trees from India. Now he has sold his house and has barely enough to live on.


Side of Bosporus


The Sweet Waters of Asia are nearby, just between the ruins of the old mediaeval castle built by Sultan Mahomet the Conqueror before he laid siege to Byzance and the Imperial Kiosks of Chiok Soo, a real jewel. Further to the right that low, rambling white building is the yali of the family of Mahmoud Pasha. They entertain a great deal and have asked us to tea next Sunday. Now we pass again without realizing it to the European shores; the old castle on the hill is the Castle of Europe, the first stronghold of the Turks on this side of the Bosporus, and the big building next to it is the famous Robert College, the American College for Boys.


The view is so gorgeous that it cannot be described. I wish I had a canvas and the technique of Courbet, the talent of Turner and the daring of Whistler to paint in all its splendor the clear sky of the Bosporus, so clear and so blue that the eyes can almost see that it is endless  the red and gold flakes of its dark green vegetation, so luxuriant that it speaks of centuries of loving care the peaceful atmosphere of its old houses, so restful that you can feel that generations of thinkers and philosophers have meditated behind their walls the harmonious outline of its hills, so smilingly round that only immemorial age can have so smoothly curved them the mystery of its always running currents, running so continuously that they should have long ago emptied the Black Sea into the Mediterranean.

Friday 31 January 2020

The communication between Boumelia and Bosnia

The Turks encountered him with a strong force, in a position very favourable to them, on the mountain plain of Suwodol ; where there are wide plains on which the Turkish cavalry could ma noeuvre with advantage. Kara George, who, from want of cavalry, had always avoided the plains, with horror saw himself surrounded. He formed the newly organized troops beside his artillery: which, however, could not have saved him. But fortunately, he had also a few horsemen ; and it was one of them, Wule Ilitsch, of Smederewo, who, by means of a daring stratagem, decided the fate of the day. Mounted on his good Arab steed, and accompanied by Moinkes and Bekjares, lie rushed amongst the enemy, at the same time calling out repeatedly in Turkish, “ The Turks are Hying ! ” This produced a panic, and led to the complete defeat of the Pacha.


After this, Kara George was able to pursue his course. He stormed Sjenitza, the ruins of which have been seen by recent travellers; and lie advanced into the territory of Wasojewitscli and Dro  bnjake. The Christian population rose in every direction ; and soon also some of the Montenegrins made their appearance to welcome their victorious brethren. What most excited their admiration were the Servian cannon many of them having never before seen any thing of the kind. A Servian Woiwode remained with them; and thus an union between Servia and Montenegro was effected: ITer  zcgowina, as well as the part of Bosnia already spoken of, joined in the insurrection. A rising of the whole of the population descended from Servian tribes holding the Christian faith, and a general attack on the Mahometans in Bosnia, were now anticipated.


Kara George proceeded forthwith to Xowipasar; which commands almost exclusively the communication between Boumelia and Bosnia, and forms the central point of the high roads, and of the traffic of Bosnia: he drove the garrison into the upper fortress, which did not appear able to hold out long against him.


Here, however, the most unwelcome news reached him from the lower districts.


Favoured by inundations, which had for some time prevented the Russians from passing over the Danube, the Turks, with all their forces from Kiscli, had thrown themselves upon the Servian frontiers near Alexinaz.


More than once, had Peter Dobrinjaz defended these frontier posts successfully and with glory. And at this time, lie was stationed there, with a great number of his countrymen. On Mladen’s recommendation, however, Kara George now entrusted the chief command to Miloje; a man whom Peter was not disposed to obey, and who was himself unable to conquer the hatred which he entertained against Peter and all his adherents. The contest which had hitherto shown itself only in the senate, was thus transferred to the frontier; now in the greatest peril.


The first assault of the Turks took place in June, 1809; when they attacked the fortification near Ivamenitza, which was defended by 8000 men under Stephen Singelitsch, the Ivnes of Ressawer, and the friend of Peter. The Knes made an heroic defence : but he was in need of succour ; which Miloje, with inconceivable blindness, refused him. At length, when the Turks, marching over the bodies of their slaughtered comrades, had crossed the trenches, scaled the walls, and gained the upper hand in the melee, Stephen despaired of being able to maintain his ground ; and, determined not to fall into the hands of the Turks, either dead or alive, he fired the powder magazine, and blew into the air the entire fort   destroying himself with his friends and enemies! The Turks afterwards erected a tower on the road side, near the spot, and inserted amongst the stones of its walls the skulls of the Servians who thus met their death.

Thursday 30 January 2020

Accompanied by Usun Mirko

At first, Kara George determined on vigorously attacking Belgrade: which he, with his friends


Tscharapitsch, Glawasch, and Miloje, had encompassed, from the Danube to the Save.


Amongst the Krdschalies of Guschanz Ali, was an Albanian of the Greek religion, named Konda, who had, at the commencement of the contest, contributed greatly towards the defence of Belgrade against the Servians; but when the war had changed into a contest between Turks and Chris-tians, he had gone over to the Servians. Many others had done the same; but, of them all, Konda proved the most useful. Displaying boldness and ability at all times, he had already been made Bimbascha; and he now offered to capture the town by an act of hazardous daring. Accordingly, Konda, accompanied by Usun Mirko, a Servian   who was as tall and powerful as his leader was small and alert   and five others who equalled them in valour and resolution, on the 12th of December, 180G, shortly before day-break, approached the trenches of the fortress by which alone the outer town was defended.


Knowing exactly in which direction they might make their way between the numerous watch-towers which had been erected, Konda succeeded in taking his companions through unnoticed. That he might not excite attention, by proceeding directly from the trendies to the gate, he advanced a short distance into the town, and then turned back, and went straight towards the Christians’ Gate. A sentry met him, and demanded “who they were?” Konda replied, “ Momkes of the Usiir-beg,” (a commander of the


Krdschalios) : lie spoke Turkish, and therefore did not excite any suspicion. He thus, Avithout hindrance, got to the rear of the gate-Avatch, and immediately fell on them. It Avas the commencement of the 1 hairain festiAral; and Avhcn the firing Avas heard inthetoAvn, it Avas supposed to be a salute in honour of the day. Konda had time to ovcrpoAvcr the guard: Avho, hoAvever, defended themselves valiantly, and killed four of his companions; and then, though Avounded, he proceeded AvithMirkopvho AAras also wounded, and the one surviving Servian soldier, who Avas unhurt, to force open the gate. On this, Miloje rushed in; and, during the confusion Avliich arose from his attack, Kara George also passed over the trenches. The Turks, aroused, noAV fleAV to defend themselves; and a desperate conflict ensued.


The people Avere firing from all the houses; and, as the dwellings could not be separately attacked, the Servians set fire to them; so that the defenders fled into the streets, where they Averc heAvn doAvn by the SAVords of their enemies. In this conflict, Tscharapitsch, Avho forced a passage at the Stamboul Gate, was killed. By ten o’clock the toAvn Avas captured; but the best troops had throAvn themselves into the citadel.

Wednesday 29 January 2020

Take these 5 albums and listen to them well

So you wanna start college on the right foot by getting that sweet indie cred? You know it’s indispensable nowadays but kinda hard to acquire if you’re a bit clueless on the topic, right? Say no more, just like homeworkneeded.com helps you with your boring assignments, this short list will help you with some essential knowledge about fine taste in music. Take these 5 albums and listen to them well


Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea


The cult status of Jeff Mangum is slightly beyond what Jesus or Mohammad are for religious people. He is the prophet of all indie heads who’ve found meaning in their life by shouting the lyrics to ‘Two Headed Boy’ drunk together with friends. You might be thrown off a bit by the ‘seemingly’ out of tune vocals, but you will find that with just a couple of listens of this album you will start memorizing the lyrics. If someone brings up that they’re over NMH already (cause some people always want to be one step ahead) just hit them with the old ‘you never really got it anyway, poser!’.


R.E.M. – Murmur


One of the most ironic things of our decade is that music made by dorks in the 80’s is now appreciated by the coolest kind of people, who back in the day would have never hung around with them. This album is actually ‘college rock’, which was a movement made possible by the existence of college campus radios back in the day, when having everything in the cloud wasn’t an option and people actually heavily relied on the radio to discover new music. Jangle pop, pretty much like indie cred, has the ability to make blandness and dullness fashionable to the point it’s actually interesting. This album is what you’re looking for.


The Velvet Underground – White Light / White Heat


Why this and why not the ‘banana cover’ one? Because this is made after they sacked Warhol and parted ways with Nico, it’s their last recording with John Cale and it’s just usually not the first thing that comes to people’s mind when they think The VU. This is them at their most avant-garde, it has dark humor in it, a lot of unclassifiable songs and of course many druggy guitar solos. With Nico out of the picture the band just threw caution out the window and went for ear-searing noise and a whole lotta experimental stuff.


Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)


It’s 2018 and you gotta know that indie cred goes hand in hand with street cred. So you must know the one true classic of hip-hop, 36 Chambers. Go ahead, sing along to Method Man, see what happens. Coming from 1993, a time when G-Funk was big on the West Coast and Jazz Rap was hitting it hard in the East, Wu Tang came up with these godly beats. All that and some phenomenal rapping, of course. So if you ever wanna talk hip hop you need to know what’s up with with this album. Also a great ice breaker is knowing the fact that Method Man’s real name is Marmaduke Thackeray Malthorpe.


Pixies – Doolittle


Last, but definitely not least, we have one of the most influential albums ever, that cemented the power of underground music. The songs are catchy, the hooks are memorable, you can listen to it high, you can listen to it walking, riding the bus or whenever you feel like. It has dark themes at times but it flows with positive energy.


Doolittle is indie rock minimalism with rudimentary (in skill only, objectively speaking) guitar solos and screaming, but it hits hard and it stays with you. I promise.

Monday 6 January 2020

The Council of Trent

Diego Hurtado De Mendoza (1503-1574)


Born of a noble family at Granada, Mendoza was primarily a man of action. We are told that he joined the army of Charles V in Italy where, “like Scipio, he devoted himself at once to literature and to war.” He was ambassador in several Italian cities and was present at the Council of Trent. Some years later, having incurred the King’s displeasure, he withdrew into retirement and wrote a history of the War Against the Moors.


He was extraordinarily active as editor of ancient works, patron of the arts, and student; but it is chiefly to his picaresque romance, Lazarillo de Tormes, that he owes his fame in the modern world. This is probably the first of the so-called Romances of Roguery. Like most of the works of this kind, it is composed of a series of more or less connected incidents, from which one chapter has been selected for inclusion in this collection. It is characterized by great vivacity and good humour.


The present version is reprinted from Thomas Roscoe’s Spanish Novelists, London, no date. The translation is by Thomas Roscoe. The title of the chapter is How Lazaro Served a Bulero, and What Took Place.


How Lazaro Served a Bulero


The fifth master that fortune threw in my way was a Bulero, or a dealer in papal indulgences one of the most impudent and barefaced, yet cleverest rogues, that I have ever seen, or ever shall see. He practised all manner of deceit, and resorted to the most subtle inventions to gain his end.


On his arrival at any place to present his credentials and open his traffic, the first thing he did was to send small presents of no great value to the clergy, by which means he would gain a civil reception and perhaps assistance in his negotiations. He made himself acquainted with the character of these persons; when to some he would say, that he never spoke in Latin, but always preferred a chaste and elegant diction in his native tongue.


To others again, he would talk Latin for two hours; at least so it would seem to those who heard him, although perhaps it was not half that time. When he found that no great success attended his usual endeavors, he would have recourse to artifice; but as a regular account of them would fill a volume, I will only recount one little maneuver, which will give you some idea of his genius and invention.

Share My Choosing Skills With The World

Shopping can be difficult if you are just a girl in the big city. Expectations of people have skyrocketed over past years. Your appearance is everything today, the most vital element of any introduction. People have mastered the art of judging the book by its cover. And you know what they say – if you can beat them, joint with them.


All in all, new challenges make shopping fun. I love buying dresses on pintelstore.com but I’ve also mastered the art of picking the right one. This skill did not come overnight and god only knows how many dresses are lost in despicable depth of my wardrobe never to be worn again because I look hideous in them.


And now it’s time to share my choosing skills with the world! Thus my ultimate shopping guide begins!


Choose the style that will represent your body


Clothes can make your waist slimmer, breasts larger or even smaller. Depending on the case – go for what works with you!


Patterns: Vertical lines make you slimmer. Horizontal lines, on the other hand are a stunning optical illusion of enlargement. A bright accent will always attract the eye while concealing some less screaming elements. That’s why shirts with patterns work well while emphasizing your breasts. All in all, play around with this information and decide what you wish to show to the world.


Make sure your dress fits like it was tailored for you. If your clothes fit well they are usually quite comfortable to wear and don’t make your appearance sloppy. Short herm can make you visually shorter and baggy shirts will add some unnecessary weight.


Only buy those clothes that are stunning on you NOW. Those shoes can look godlike but what’s the pint if you’ll walk in them like mama goose? If that one button does not work like it should with that perfect shirt – look for a bigger size; don’t invest in something you might not wear at all.


Forget about fission. If you are not on the stage of any fashion show in Milan – go for the classics. Pair shoes with your purse, mix black with red and white with blue, stay classy. If those hyper-baggy jeans are peaking in trends right now and you are too slim to wear those with grace – don’t even bother.


Choose your clothes based on your skin and hair tones. Red heads with pale skin look great in blues, greens and browns. Blonds can experiment with platinum and cold colors. Darker girls will become a great contrast to white or red dresses.


Complementary colors are your everything! While choosing accessories, go for opposite sides of the color wheel.

Saturday 4 January 2020

Some one’s bed, with no bedclothes on it

“If I have the courage to fulfil my intention,” thought the old man, “the Suspicion will fall on the watchman first of all.”


In the darkness he groped for the steps and the door and entered the hall of the garden-wing, then poked his way into a narrow passage and struck a match. Not a soul was there. Some one’s bed, with no bedclothes on it, stood there, and an iron stove loomed dark in the comer. The seals on the door that led into the prisoner’s room were unbroken.


When the match went out, the old man, trembling from agitation, peeped into the little window.


‘In the prisoner’s room a candle was burning dimly. The prisoner himself sat by the table. Only his back, the hair on his head and his hands were visible. Open books were strewn about on the table, the two chairs, and on the carpet near the table.


Seal door


Five minutes passed and the prisoner never once stirred. Fifteen years’ confinement had taught him to sit motionless. The banker tapped on the window with his finger, but the prisoner made no movement in reply. Then the banker cautiously tore the seals from the door and put the key into the lock. The rusty lock gave a hoarse groan and the door creaked. The banker expected instantly to hear a cry of surprise and the sound of steps. Three minutes passed and it was as quiet inside as it had been before. He made up his mind to enter.


Before the table sat a man, unlike an ordinary human being. It was a skeleton, with tight-drawn skin, with long curly hair like a woman’s, and a shaggy beard. The color of his face was yellow, of an earthy shade; the cheeks were sunken, the back long and narrow, and the hand upon which he leaned his hairy head was so lean and skinny that it was painful to look upon. His hair was already silvering with gray, and no one who glanced at the senile emaciation of the face would have believed that he was only forty years old. On the table, before his bended head, lay a sheet of paper on which something was written in a tiny hand.


“Poor devil,” thought the banker, “he’s asleep and probably seeing millions in his dreams. I have only to take and throw this half-dead thing on the bed, smother him a moment with the pillow, and the most careful examination will find no trace of unnatural death. But, first, let us read what he has written here.”


S: https://fashion.marietaminkova.com/the-bet-part-5/

Some one’s bed, with no bedclothes on it

“If I have the courage to fulfil my intention,” thought the old man, “the Suspicion will fall on the watchman first of all.”


In the darkness he groped for the steps and the door and entered the hall of the garden-wing, then poked his way into a narrow passage and struck a match. Not a soul was there. Some one’s bed, with no bedclothes on it, stood there, and an iron stove loomed dark in the comer. The seals on the door that led into the prisoner’s room were unbroken.


When the match went out, the old man, trembling from agitation, peeped into the little window.


‘In the prisoner’s room a candle was burning dimly. The prisoner himself sat by the table. Only his back, the hair on his head and his hands were visible. Open books were strewn about on the table, the two chairs, and on the carpet near the table.


Seal door


Five minutes passed and the prisoner never once stirred. Fifteen years’ confinement had taught him to sit motionless. The banker tapped on the window with his finger, but the prisoner made no movement in reply. Then the banker cautiously tore the seals from the door and put the key into the lock. The rusty lock gave a hoarse groan and the door creaked. The banker expected instantly to hear a cry of surprise and the sound of steps. Three minutes passed and it was as quiet inside as it had been before. He made up his mind to enter.


Before the table sat a man, unlike an ordinary human being. It was a skeleton, with tight-drawn skin, with long curly hair like a woman’s, and a shaggy beard. The color of his face was yellow, of an earthy shade; the cheeks were sunken, the back long and narrow, and the hand upon which he leaned his hairy head was so lean and skinny that it was painful to look upon. His hair was already silvering with gray, and no one who glanced at the senile emaciation of the face would have believed that he was only forty years old. On the table, before his bended head, lay a sheet of paper on which something was written in a tiny hand.


“Poor devil,” thought the banker, “he’s asleep and probably seeing millions in his dreams. I have only to take and throw this half-dead thing on the bed, smother him a moment with the pillow, and the most careful examination will find no trace of unnatural death. But, first, let us read what he has written here.”


S: https://fashion.marietaminkova.com/the-bet-part-5/