The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-08-03

but the remains of an alabaster sarcophagus
and some bones, which | afterwards found
to be those of an OK or COW. The day was
nearly spent in such researches, and the A
rabs, who had never liked the undertaking,
began to grow unruly The fear of the
Ghout, who watched over the treasures
they supposed searched for, at length grew
to such height that they would stay no
longer, and they left my servant and myself
to prosecute our discoveries by ourselves. In
truth, they could not have left me at more
inconvenient period, for had observed some
I signs, which justified me in supposing, that
! was near large and unopened chamber.
1t was at the end of a dark passage, near the
mouth of one of those wells with which the
place abounds, diffusing a most noxious va
pour, and it was only my ardent desire for
discovery, that could have induced me to
continue the operation | had commenced.
My torches also were nearly all consumed,
and was obliged to send my servant for
further supply.
While he was gene, proceeded to intro
duce an iron crow into the interstices of tho
stone, for the purpose of wrenching an en-
trance, but the strength of the building op
posed NY efforts, and l sat down disprited
on block of stone near the aforementioned
well. Here, in short time, began to feel
the influence of its pestllcntal air; my head
grew giddy, and l should have fallen from
my seat, had not, by great exertion, rous
ed myself and proceeded in my attempts to
force a passage. Whilst in the act Of Civ
ing a tremendous blow to the stone, the agi.
tation of the AR cXtinguishcd my light, but
the blow was not lost, for it fell and exceut-
ed its object by making a breach i'll the bar
rcr that had opposed my progress. AS
i
was provided with phosphorus, did not feel
any alarm for the loss Of my light, but pro-
ceeded to feel what effect had been produc
cd on the wall. found a large aperture,
sufficient to admit me through, and on intro
duciug my head, | saw, or thought saw
light shining through a crevice at the other
end of the apartment. Astonished at what
thought must be an illusion of the scene,
hesitated to kindle my own light, and eau.
tiously entered the newly opened chamber.
found trod on fine surface, and on walk.
ing across it, applied my eye to what plain
ly saw to be an opening in loosely built par
tition, which, AS leaned against, suddenly
gave way, and ! found myself the spectator
of singular scene. III an ancient and large
couch of stone, saw reclining the figure of
a man, seemingly aged though still vigor-
Gus; his long beard, "a sable silvcrd, tell in
large and ample curs upon his breast and
arms. and added to the effect of his countc-
nance, which was strongly indented with
deep furrows, that appeared to be produced
more by sorrow than by age. From the
ceiling was suspended an iron lamp of an an
ciept form, by the light OF which was en-
ablel to remark the above particulars, and
as its wavering flame flashed on the face OF
the singular being before nc, It added to its
deathly hue; indeed,I should not have thought
him to be alive, had not his respiration con-
vInced me of it. The appearance OF the a
partment assimilated we'll with its inmate ;
around the walls were several rows OF mum
mics, some in standing position with their
faces uncovered, and their lips being fallen,
gave them the appearance OF ginnln@ hor-
ri5ly at each other advanced a step from
the place where, fixed with astonishment, !
had remarked all this, in far less time than
it has taken to rccite it; on nearer view /
found that he was clad in the common dress
of the east, and what particularly took my
attention was, that on his uncovered and liv-
id brow, was fastened rudely partitioned
cross of diamonds, seemingly OF great price
: Hardly aware of my intention, l stretched
forth my hand to touch it, when with a long
deep-drawn sigh, the sleeper awoke. Hc
threw his dark eyes, which sparkled with
brilliancy that surpassed his jewellcd front
wildly around him, and when they rested OF
me, hr cried, What, art thou come! destro
5 yer, thou art welcome, then at last Shall
be relieved from my burden, be free as the
. winds of heaven. But if destruction be moi
) thy purpose--if thou hast nature that
clings to the softer feelings of humanity
: why disturb my repose" ! must here STATE
: that he spoke in Hebrew, or rather moder'
) Svriac, which | understand perfectly, hav
e ing, before left England. acquired the rep
: utation of being profoundly acquainted witt
i it.
{ Seeing me about to reply, he continued
& NAY, speak not; to crafty an idle curiosit,
YOU penetrate the sanctuary OF the dead, dis
: turb the last mansions of the mighty, of thu
llustrious, of the great and good Here, a
: least, hoped to escape from the idle crow
h whose thoughts are folly, and whose live
:. are but vanity. Thou seemst to stand aston
IS ishrtl, but thy fears arc the effects of thy ig
e norance. | am no longer of immateria
mould, but, thank heaven, mortal like thy
j. self, death must come at last, and close
l. scene of oflengthened misery; centuries hav
e passed since | have been ali inhabitant @
If these piles, already ancient at my BIRTH
if Here from the glaring day | sought repose
y but the undying worm was in my hear
n. sleep could not lull it, amid the crowd 1t wa
lie felt embittering every taste of bliss. Oh