We next saw the new mosque, built by Mohammed Ali, of beautifully veined alabaster. And, last of all, the court where the Mamelukes were massacred by Mohammed Ali in 1811. Here Mohammed pointed out to us the spot at which Emir Bey took his famous leap.
Hugh and Lucy begged to hear the whole story; but it was too long to tell at that moment and was put off till evening.
We then returned to the hotel for lunch, and in the afternoon went to Shoubra to see the pacha's country palace.
Our road lay through a beautiful avenue of sycamores and acacias, which interlaced their boughs over our heads, so that we seemed to be in a bower of green. The palace is small, and the gardens are the sight really worth seeing. There is a great variety in them; terraces, covered walls, labyrinths, and bowers. But the great sight is the kiosk with its large reservoir of water.
"See!" Lucy exclaimed, "see! the water comes through those animals' mouths."
"They are crocodiles, Lucy," Hugh said; "marble crocodiles; and look at the arcade. Do let us walk all round."
We did so. It was a charming arcade: on one side the water, on the other the gardens, from which the most fragrant perfumes filled the air around us.
"It is like fairy-land," said Lucy, as she danced along the arcade.
"The young lady is delighted with it now," said Mohammed; "but she would think it much more beautiful if she could see it when the lamps are lighted and the fountains are playing."
"When can we see that?" Lucy asked.