Constantinople painted by Warwick Goble

Excerpt: ...was dismissed with an invitation to attend the Council of Ministers, and inform them that, while it was true that Sultan Mehemet attacked the city and destroyed a portion of the fortifications, the Greek Emperor had not carried matters to the bitter end, but went betimes to the Sultan, surrendered the keys of the city, and, after a friendly reception, brought him into Constantinople in a peaceable manner. Whereupon, the patriarch, somewhat relieved, paid a round of visits to the various Ministers of State and to other influential personages, not forgetting to leave in each case a 143 suitable parting gift. An extraordinary Council of Ministers was then summoned to consider the question, and before that assembly the patriarch duly appeared. Meantime the news of the impending catastrophe had spread, causing great excitement, so that an immense crowd of Greeks, Armenians, and even Jews, collected outside the Council Chamber, to learn as early as possible the result of the deliberations within. The terrible fetva was solemnly read, accompanied by the announcement that not only would it be applied to the case of Constantinople, but to every town captured by the sword throughout the Empire. ?O my lord,? cried the patriarch in a loud voice, addressing the Grand Vizier, ?as to other cities I am not sufficiently informed, but as regards this city I can vouch that when Sultan Mehemet came to fight against it, Constantine, with the consent of his nobles and people, did homage to him and surrendered the place voluntarily.? ?Have you,? inquired the Grand Vizier, ?any Moslem witnesses who were in the army of Sultan Mehemet when he took the city, and who can tell us how he took it?? ?I have, O my lord,? was the prompt reply. ?Then come to-morrow to the Council, and meantime we shall take the Sultan's pleasure 144 on the subject,? said the Grand Vizier. Followed through the streets by...