Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/66

 Turks are verily persuaded, that the Devils are afraid of these Birds. This is certain, they are so tenaciously sensible of their Liberty, that tho' they have been kept up tame in a Coop, for three Years together, yet if they can but get an Opportunity to escape away, they fly to their wonted Haunts, as preferring their natural Seats before their confined Prisons, though they be cramm'd and fatten'd there.

passed on from Chiousada to Karali; from Karali to Hazdengri; from thence to Mazotthoy; from Mazotthoy we passed over the River Sangar, which runs into Pontus out of Phrygia, and came to Mahathli, from thence to Zugli, thence to Chilancyck; from Chilancyck to Ialancich; from thence to Portughin; and from Portughin we reached to Ancyra, called by the Turks, Angur. We staid one whole Day at Ancyra, partly because the Turks did not hasten us; for, in regard the Persian Embassador made an Halt, we were desired to do so too, that we might make our Entrances, both at one Time, into Amasia. I saw nothing remarkable in all the Villages aforementioned, save that sometimes, among the Turkish Sepulchres, we happened to see some Pillars, or ancient Stones of curious Marble, wherein there were several Remains of Latin or Greek Inscriptions, but so defaced, that they could not be read; which Disappointment I very much resented, for all my Delight was, as soon as I came to my Inn at Night, to enquire after old Inscriptions, together with Latin and Greek Coins; and sometimes for rare Kinds of Plants.

for the Sepulchres, or Graves of the Turks, their Custom is, not to fill them with Earth, but throw great Stones upon them for a Covering. Would you know the Reason? 'tis Superstitious