behind. And the prayer of the dervish was certainly answered.

One thousand boys recruited these ranks every year; and as the years
rolled into centuries, the organization became a more and more terrible
instrument of vengeance in the hands of the Sultan, whose body-guard it
formed.

The line of Sultans following Othman was characterized by intellectual
force of a high order. There was a swelling and irresistible tide of
conquest which moved not only toward Europe, but into Asia. One tribe
after another was absorbed, until all the strongholds of the old Saracen
Empire were in the hands of the Sultans, who replaced the Caliphs; and
like them were not alone temporal rulers, but the representatives of
Mahomet himself.

Composed in this way of a great heterogeneous mass of races, hostile to
each other, and to the Turk, the Ottoman Empire had but one element common
to all. That was its religion. The Sultan stood to them in the place of
the Prophet--hence they dared not defy nor resist his will. And it is this
power of religious fanaticism which not alone created the Empire, but has
held it together long after its vital forces have departed.

* * * * *

In the year 1453 the dream of Othman was realized. The long-hoped-for and
long-dreaded event had come. Constantinople was in the hands of the Turks!

No event since the Christian era had been more momentous, more fraught
with good and with evil.

The Ottoman Power had secured the most beautiful, the most coveted, and
the most impregnable position in Europe.

But Europe was strangely enriched by the result. Driven out of its old
home, Greek culture took refuge in other places, and what had been the
exclusive possession of a few became the heritage of a continent.

Literature, fine arts, and music were revolutionized under the influence
of Greek scholars who were refugees flying from the Turks. The period now
set in which is known as the _Renaissance_. That is, art and intellectual
life were born into a new and higher form by the introduction of Greek
ideals.

The Sultan's palace, court, and the ceremonial attending him had now
become like a fairy-tale in its splendor. He was approached as if he were
a god. Men prostrated themselves in his presence, and spoke in whispers.

No man's head was more insecure on his shoulders than his Grand Vizier's.
A mistake, a failure, and off it went!

Quick to discern ability, no sooner did a Sultan s