University of Virginia Library

“Almost all the families of Missolonghi were divided into two parts; those who remained in expectation of death, and those who were on the point of rushing forth to vengeance and to new dangers. The hardiest warriors were subdued to tears; and the bravest hearts quailed at the approaching separation. All these preparations were however, rendered abortive by the infamous treachery of a Bulgarian soldier, who had deserted to Ibrahim and disclosed the whole plan. The Turks suddenly attacked the town, and bathed themselves in christian blood. The scene that followed was hideous. “But one voice was heard among the despairing women” says M. Fabri: “‘To the sea! to the sea!’ Many precipitated themselves into wells, into which they first threw their children. But the wells at length became full, and it was a long way from the ramparts to that part of the harbour which was sufficiently deep for the purpose of death. The conquerors anxious for slaves, followed close on their victims. Several women and even several children had the address and the good fortune to free themselves by throwing themselves on the naked swords of the Arabs; others plunged into the flames of the burning houses, twelve hundred, who could discover no way of destroying themselves, fell into the hands of the enemy. The attention of the conquerors was soon drawn to the powder magazine. The size and the solidity of the building, induced them to believe that the wealth of the inhabitants had been there deposited. It contained however, only women and children, and Capsalis (one of the primates of the town,) who, having obstinately refused to accompany the garrison in their projected sortie, conducted to the powder-magazine a crowd of women and children, saying ‘Come, and be still; I will myself set fire to it.’ They wept not; they had no parting to apprehend; the grave was about to unite them for ever. The mothers tranquilly pressed their infants to their breasts, relying on Capsalis. In the meanwhile, the enemy crowded round their asylum: some attempted to break open the doors; some to enter by the windows; some climbed to the roof, and endeavoured to demolish it. At length, Capsalis, perceiving that a vast multitude had assembled, uttered a brief prayer, familiar to the Greeks—‘Lord remember me,’ and applied the match. The explosion was so violent, that the neighbouring houses were thrown down, large chasms were produced in the earth, and the sea moving from its bed, inundated one part of the town. Two thousand barbarians were blown up with Capsalis.” Such was the catastrophe of this terrible drama! Literary Gazette.