Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-03-07
TEE MAID OF TEE cxorADne.

amongst mat small cluster OF Islands in
the Grecian Archipelago termed the Cy-
clades, is one of peculiar beauty and consi-
derabie extent, forming the most prominent
object OF the mass around TO the eye of the
admiring navigator. Surrounded by a wall
of breakers against which the sea is driven
with destructive fury by every breusl, of
wind, it would seem that the line of de.
marcation between il and the surrounding
world, was clearly marked and never to be
broken. The atmosphere in the east has
ever been remarkable for its TRANSPARENCY
and mildness; the smallest object opposed to
the eye either upon the wave or in air is re-
cognlzed at an immense distance; and the
beautiful isle, which we have endcavorcd to
describe, when first seen rising upon the ho-
rizon, resembles Il glittering mass of emerald
suspended between two celestial iirma-
ments.
Great as were the difficulties in approach
ing this spot, it had been for ages Inhabited
by gallant and independent race, dcs-
cended from the primitive heroes who figur-
cd IN the earliest ages of the world. They
had for centuries preserved their liberties il
violate, but the scourge which had desola,eti
the whole of the Asiatc continent at length
forced its passage into Europe, and with the
fall of Constantinople and the triumph of
Mahomet, the isles of Greece became prev
to the Turks. The descendants of the Ca
lphs lorded it with imperial sway over the
birth place of the Gods, and the crescent's
unhallowed rays flashed over the shattered
ruins of the cross.
Some years since this island was ruled bv
a Purkish Aga, whose name was Yusuf Ab-
dallah He had risen from the humble stu
ati~, of 6g-scllcr to the rank of pri.l-
cipal erier of the Muezzin in the city of Is
tamboul. His extreme sanctity had recon-.
mended him to the notice Of the chief Imaum
OF the imperial mosque; he regularly prayed
fifteen times day, had performed three nil
grimcges to Mecca, and was notorious for
the length of his beard and his hatred to the
Jews and Christians Being recommended
to the present commander Of the Faithful.
by the interposition of his friend the Iuiaum.
he was appointed principal pipe-bcarcr TO
ms hlghness--from thence to a captainship
IN the Janizzary corps-untl step by step.
he arose to the rank of Aga, ai.d TO the
sovereignty of a Greek island. Having
awaited for the conclusion of the festivities
during the Bairam and Ramazan, having
shown his extreme feeling of devotion by
decapitating some refractory troops, and by
. firing upon the crowds of Christians and
Jews, who happened TO cross his path while
! going TO the mosque, he started with his re-
tinue OF wives and officers, pipe-bearcrs and
! fan-holdcrs to the seat Of his empire. Upon
landing, he issued his edict that no Greek
should leave the island without his will; that
all taxes were to be regularly paid, or the bas-
tinadoe would be the consequence; that the
supplies of corn, oil, DC. necessary for him
and his household, were to be regularly sup
piled, or the same Inill punishment would be
inflicted. If Greek should be caught drunk,
he was to be Immediately sobercd Jy strong
application of cudgcl if lie resisted an
officer, he was TO be shot, and if he looked
at Turkish female, he was to be hung
These few mild regulations being made
known, and Of course submitted TO, Yusui
Abdalah felt at case, took chew Of opium,
and dreamed of Paradise.
kiis administration went on smoothly, as
may be well supposed; his Golfers were filled;
his revenue was overlooking, and he took
his daily rotations of coffee and meals Of
piau, without feeling any restraint or fear.
His method was one we'll calculated to pro-
luce harmony both at home and among his
subjects If any ono of his five hundred wives
grew refractory. she was gently tied up in u
stout canvas bag and put for safe Keeping
under sea water; and if an insolcnt, rcbclli-
ous Greek complained Of his enormous tax
ation, and duplicated his mercy for starv.
ing household, his Sims experienced the en-
ivenIng effects of q bastinadoc If his cot
Zee was muddy, and his pilau not well boiled,
he cook was hung, and some other better
6 pcquantcd with the Aga's appetite was put
n his place, and if by chance the Grand Sig
nior's frman for taxes came ut an nconyc-
nient season, the bearer was bcheadcd and
MS death attributed to accident. Thus the
good Yusuf like deyout Mussuman pray
pd and performed his ADDITIONS to Mahomet,
rhewod opium and drank shcrbet with ms
much content as ony Turk in Christendom.
Amongst the many persons that formed
he Aga's household, was one Gavoritc daugh-
or, whom he INDUCED to degree seldom
known amongst tho Turks. She was the
child Of Circassian female, whose beauty
rad captvatcd the heart Of Yusuf at an ear
" age; she had been his first wife and died