Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Giovanni Finati, Native of Ferrara, Who, Under the Assumed Name of Mahomet, Made the Campaigns Against the Wah (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. Voyage to Egypt--El Arish--Cyprus--Damietta--Cairo--Thebes--Mummies--Obelisk--The Author's marriage--Opening of the Temple at Sebouah--Another excavation at Abousombal--Journey above the Second Cataract--Ababdes--Crossing of the Nile--Island of Say--Return--Mr. Bankes embarks for Europe--Sir F. Henniker--Oasis--ascends the Pyramid--Mr.Rennie--Accident--Sickness--The Author again with Mr. Salt. It had become very necessary to fly the country as soon as possible, and a vessel was accordingly hired expressly for Damietta, with the condition of touching at El Arish, and there taking on board the Egyptian stone by the way. Mr. Bankes's health and spirits were still occasionally weak from the effects of his illness, otherwise, I think that, after sueceeding in enterprises much more arduous, he would hardly have abandoned this; the difficulties, however, attending it were unquestionably considerable, for the weight of the stone proved to be greater than had been calculated; and although, upon sight of the Pasha of Egypt's permission, no direct objection, was raised by the Sheik to the taking of it, yet he appeared little disposed to forward or assist the operation, and represented (what was true enough) that the whole distance of transport to the shore was through a very deep and loose sand. Measures, however, were actually taken for overcoming this impediment; but there was one much more serious, which it was not so easy to remedy, for, from the shallow and shelving nature of all that coast, our vessel could not lie safely within two or three miles of it; and the only boat belonging to her was so small as to be pronounced, by the captain, upon sight of the stone, incapable of conveying it alongside. All the physical strength of a man is required for...