CHAPTER XVI.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre--Processions of the Copts--The Syrian Maronites and the Greeks--Riotous Behaviour of the Pilgrims--Their immense numbers--The Chant of the Latin Monks--Ibrahim Pasha--The Exhibition of the Sacred Fire--Excitement of the Pilgrims--The Patriarch obtains the Sacred Fire from the Holy Sepulchre--Contest for the Holy Light--Immense sum paid for the privilege of receiving it first--Fatal Effects of the Heat and Smoke--Departure of Ibrahim Pasha--Horrible Catastrophe--Dreadful Loss of Life among the Pilgrims in their endeavours to leave the Church--Battle with the Soldiers--Our Narrow Escape--Shocking Scene in the Court of the Church--Humane Conduct of Ibrahim Pasha--Superstition of the Pilgrims regarding Shrouds--Scallop Shells and Palm Branches--The Dead Muleteer--Moonlight View of the Dead Bodies--The Curse on Jerusalem--Departure from the Holy City 208