In the year 1453 the dream of Othman was realized. The long-hoped-for and
long-dreaded event had come. Constantinople was in the hands of the Turks!

No event since the Christian era had been more momentous, more fraught
with good and with evil.

The Ottoman Power had secured the most beautiful, the most coveted, and
the most impregnable position in Europe.

But Europe was strangely enriched by the result. Driven out of its old
home, Greek culture took refuge in other places, and what had been the
exclusive possession of a few became the heritage of a continent.

Literature, fine arts, and music were revolutionized under the influence
of Greek scholars who were refugees flying from the Turks. The period now
set in which is known as the _Renaissance_. That is, art and intellectual
life were born into a new and higher form by the introduction of Greek
ideals.

The Sultan's palace, court, and the ceremonial attending him had now
become like a fairy-tale in its splendor. He was approached as if he were
a god. Men prostrated themselves in his presence, and spoke in whispers.

No man's head was more insecure on his shoulders than his Grand Vizier's.
A mistake, a failure, and off it went!

Quick to discern ability, no sooner did a Sultan see a man who he thought
could serve him--however low his station--than he clutched the unfortunate
subject and placed him in high and responsible position.