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And what is there to compare with the Rasad, the Observatory, and

its charms whereof every viewer as he approacheth saith, 'Verily

this spot is specialised with all manner of excellence!' And if

thou speak of the Night of Nile full,[FN#580] give the rainbow

and distribute it![FN#581] And if thou behold The Garden at

eventide, with the cool shades sloping far and wide, a marvel

thou wouldst see and wouldst incline to Egypt in ecstasy. And

wert thou by Cairo's river side,[FN#582] when the sun is sinking

and the stream dons mail coat and habergeon[FN#583] over its

other vestments, thou wouldst be quickened to new life by its

gentle zephyrs and by its all sufficient shade." So spake he and

the rest fell to describing Egypt and her Nile.