Beyond this valley is another, where his horses are turned out to graze
in the spring, and which takes place with extraordinary ceremony and
pomp. So much consequence was formerly attached to the noble animals,
that petitioners address themselves to the imperial stirrup. Between
the Valley of the Sweet Waters and the walls, is the village of Eyub,
pleasantly situated, adjoining to which are several palaces, belonging
to members of the imperial family. But the most remarkable and
interesting monument is the mosque or tomb of Eyub, (a disciple of
Mahomet, who was killed in the first siege of Constantinople, in 608,)
erected by Mahomet II. after the capture of the city, as is said, in
consequence of the place of his sepulchre having been revealed to one of
his favourites in a dream; he immediately ordered an excavation to be
made, and very soon, either by hazard or imposture, a marble slab was
discovered.

The Valley of the Sweet Waters, Eyub, and the country immediately behind
the walls, may be considered the only pretty spots near Constantinople;
for beyond them, and in other directions, nothing is to be seen but an
expansion of unpopulated, and, at this time, sunburnt downs.

_Jones's Travels_.

* * * * *


THE CORAL ISLAND.


On a stony eminence, that stood
Girt with inferior ridges, at the point,