Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/62

 *ble, which (it may be) was part of the ancient Palace of the Kings of Bithynia.

Nicomedia, we passed over a Cliff or Ridge of Mount Olympus, and came to a Village called Kasockly, and from thence to Nice; but it was so late before we came thither, that the first Watch was set. Not far from that Place, I heard a mighty Noise, as if it had been of Men that jeer'd and mock'd us. I asked what was the Matter? Whether any of the Mariners, rowing on the Lake Ascanius, (which was not far off) did deride us, for travelling at that unusual Time of Night? I was answered, No, but it was only the howling of certain Beasts, which the Turks call Ciacals, or Jacals, They are a Sort of Wolves, somewhat bigger than Foxes, but less than common Wolves; yet as greedy and devouring as the most ravenous Wolves or Foxes of all. They go in Flocks, and seldom or never hurt either Man or Beast, but get their Food by Craft and Stealth, more than by open Force. Thence it is, that the Turks call subtle and crafty Persons, especially the Asiaticks, by the Metaphorical Name of Ciacals. Their Manner is to enter into the Tents or Houses of the Turks, in the Night-Time, and what they can catch that is eatable, that they eat; and if they find nothing else to devour, then they fall a gnawing of all Kinds of Leather Things, as Shoes, Boots, Girdles, Scabbards of Swords, and the like; and they are as cunning as they are thievish; but in this they are very ridiculous, that they discover themselves by the Noise they make. For whilst they are most busy in a House, devouring their Prey, if any one of their Herd, that stays without Doors, chance to howl, they all set up a howling likewise; and thus, forgetting where they are, they raise up the People of the House,