No shadows varied the brilliant monotony of the walls, or softened the lively glitter on the waters of the fountains beneath.

Not a ripple stirred the surface of the broad channel, that now replaced the ancient harbour.

Not a breath of wind unfolded the scorching sails of the deserted vessels at the quay.

Over the marshes in the distance hung a hot, quivering mist; and in the vineyards, near the town, not a leaf waved upon its slender stem.

On the seaward side lay, vast and level, the prospect of the burning sand; and beyond it the main ocean--waveless, torpid, and suffused in a flood of fierce brightness--stretched out to the cloudless horizon that closed the sunbright view.
Within the town, in those streets where the tall houses cast a deep shadow on the flagstones of the road, the figures of a few slaves might here and there be seen sleeping against the walls, or gossiping languidly on the faults of their respective lords.