On the morrow they had a magnificent view of the rich plains of
Roumelia, and in the extreme distance, the great city of Adrianople,
its cupolas and minarets blazing and sparkling in the sun. This
glorious prospect at once revived all their energies. It seemed that
the moment of peril and of fate had arrived. They pricked on their
sorry steeds; and on the morning of the next day, presented themselves
at the gates of the city. The thorough knowledge which Iskander
possessed of the Turkish character obtained them an entrance, which was
at one time almost doubtful, from the irritability and impatience of
Nicaeus. They repaired to a caravansera of good repute in the
neighbourhood of the seraglio; and having engaged their rooms, the
Armenian physician, attended by his page, visited several of the
neighbouring coffee-houses, announcing, at the same time, his arrival,
his profession, and his skill.

As Iskander felt pulses, examined tongues, and distributed drugs and
charms, he listened with interest and amusement to the conversation of
which he himself was often the hero. He found that the Turks had not
yet recovered from their consternation at his audacity and success.
They were still wondering, and if possible more astounded than
indignant. The politicians of the coffee-houses, chiefly consisting of
Janissaries, were loud in their murmurs. The popularity of Amurath had
vanished before the triumph of Hunniades, and the rise of Iskander.

"But Allah has in some instances favoured the faithful," remarked
Iskander; "I heard in my travels of your having captured a great
princess of the Giaours."

"God is great!" said an elderly Turk with a long white heard. "The
Hakim congratulates the faithful because they have taken a woman!"