When the city came into view, the passengers were on deck, eager that nothing of the scene might escape them.

The respectable Jew already introduced to the reader was the principal spokesman.
"The river here runs to the west," he said, in the way of general answer.

"I remember when it washed the base of the walls; but as Roman subjects we have lived in peace, and, as always happens in such times, trade has had its will; now the whole river front is taken up with wharves and docks.

Yonder"-- the speaker pointed southward--"is Mount Casius, or, as these people love to call it, the Mountains of Orontes, looking across to its brother Amnus in the north; and between them lies the Plain of Antioch.

Farther on are the Black Mountains, whence the Ducts of the Kings bring the purest water to wash the thirsty streets and people; yet they are forests in wilderness state, dense, and full of birds and beasts." "Where is the lake ?" one asked.
"Over north there.