ABSTRACT

[463/I] Thirty-seven days had passed since we left the confines of Bagadad when we entered the most noble City of Damascus, 1 or as the Arabs say Sciam, the Metropolis of all Syria, which certain writers, on account of its superiority, call the Earthly Paradise. For this they have good cause, as in addition to its splendidly healthy climate, due to its most clement and equable native air, it possesses a great abundance of excellent water which is distributed throughout the City from numerous sourccs. The town is built on a great plain, 377a part of the famous Libanus, and embraces two leagues. It is surrounded by a strong double wall, in some parts of which may be seen the victorious Arms of that glorious and famous Frenchman who through his exploits and prowess [463/2] immortalized his name, placing it among the nine best known to Fame. 2