CHAPTER XXIV.

Monastery of St. Laura--Kind Reception by the Abbot--Astonishment of the Monks--History of the Monastery--Rules of the Order of St. Basil--Description of the Buildings--Curious Pictures of the Last Judgment--Early Greek Paintings; Richness of their Frames and Decorations--Ancient Church Plate--Beautiful Reliquary--The Refectory--The Abbot's Savoury Dish--The Library--The MSS.--Ride to the Monastery of Caracalla--Magnificent Scenery 356