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still flows
the temples of Diana, Mercury and Venus; the Piscina Mirabilis, are immense
stone reservoir fed by the Julian Aqueduct, and designed to supply the Roman
fleet; and the Prisons of Nero, containing dark underground dungeons which
we entered with lights. The greatness and even grandeur of all these ruins
indicate the magnificence and splendor that one rested upon these beautiful
hills overlooking the sea. But the gay and tumultuous life of the past is
succeeded by a dreary and almost silent desolation.
The steamer Alexandria was ready to depart, and we hastened on board. In
a little less than four days more on the restless Mediterranean, we came
in sight of the towers and minarets of the city founded by the great world
conqueror. As we came to anchor in the harbor, what thrilling emotions were
awakened in view of our propensity – to the ancient and historic land
of the pharaohs, the banks of the mysterious Nile, and the shadows of the
majestic Pyramids!
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