Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/117

 hang on the verge of the abyss. Before us is the bridge, on this side the unique access to this natural castle. The section of the bridge immediately communicating with the city gate is only a temporary platform of timber that at a moment's notice may be swept away, thus cutting off the approach of an enemy. Above, the barracks of the citadel crown the city, and at the same time mar its imposing effect, for they are at best a group of ugly, factory-like constructions. At our feet there slopes away the roof of a second broad natural arch, beneath which flows on in darkness the mysterious river, soon to lose itself in the open valley revealed to us between two gigantic cliffs that look like opposing bastions.

THE TARPEIAN ROCK OF CONSTANTINE

On the summit of the left-hand height we see a cluster of small buildings pertaining to the citadel or kasbah. The