Page:The travels of Macarius, Patriarch of Antioch - Volume I.djvu/30

2 became Metropolitan of Aleppo, where he remained twelve years. He then ascended the throne of the Patriarchate of Antioch, the See of Peter (the Apostle), the first in rank, which is at the present day established in Damascus of Syria. Here for a length of time he devoted his incessant labours to the regulation of the affairs of his Province, and governed it with upright intention and the most clear-sighted prudence; till lie was led, by the hand of Providence, to the enterprise of a tour through the remotest of countries, of towns, and of islands: not for recreation, nor for the pleasure of travelling, nor to make visits; but forced to it by the straits and difficulties of the times, which left him no will to choose: for the debts of the above-mentioned See, incurred during the life-time of the late Patriarch, Kyr Ephthimius, the Sciot, of well-known celebrity, were by this time doubled, and its revenues eaten up by usury; so that the farmers of the tithes, however great the collection or abundant the harvests, could not make them suffice to the payment of the interest. Astounded and depressed with anguish at the sight of this distress, he sighed over the hope of a release. But in his own country he could find none to interpose between him and this increasing misery, nor any one to suggest a plan of escape.

No resource remained, but to stir the foot of activity, and to mount the patient horse of toil and travel. He determined upon turning his face and steps towards the high road of royalty, and, crossing the weary paths of the sandy desert, to make his way good to the fountains of sweet water, rather the vast and swelling lakes, the lords of high excellences and precious qualities, the refuge of the suppliant and contentment of the applicant, the powerful and victorious Monarchs, and the pious Princes and Begs, who are celebrated for their true religion and sincere faith, (may God continue their empire and perpetuate their dynasty! may he confirm their existence, and eternize in the zenith of splendour the towers of their felicity!) to beg of their generosity and rare munificence, wherewithal to pay his debts; and help, to stand up in the support of his religion. Upon this journey I resolved to be his companion, with a view to assist him in its fatigues and dangers; and, with the Divine favour, we made our preparations for it, and fixed our minds upon the route.

Forthwith, one of my most respected and sincere friends, my reverend, learned and excellent Brother, the phœnix of his age and admiration of his contemporaries, Deacon Gabriel, son of the late Constantine, the goldsmith, a man superior in ability, eminent in learning, and of intuitive elegance of language and manners; this friend expressed to me his wish, that I would collect a Journal, that should contain every circumstance and incident of our way and deviations, from day to day, during the