The Turkish government every where prohibits the ringing of bells; but here on the mountains, among the free Maronites, every thing is free.

The sound of church- bells is a simple earnest music for Christian ears, too intimately associated with the usages of our religion to be heard with indifference.

Here, so far from my native country, they appeared like links in the mysterious chain which binds the Christians of all countries in one unity.

I felt, as it were, nearer to my hearth and to my dear ones, who were, perhaps, at the same moment listening to similar sounds, and thinking of the distant wanderer.
The road leading into this valley was fearfully steep.

We were obliged to make a considerable detour round the lovely village of Bscharai; for the plague was raging there, which made it forbidden ground for us.