Chapter_986

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The fortress is called Ismail, and is placed

Upon the Danube’s left branch and left bank,

With buildings in the Oriental taste,

But still a fortress of the foremost rank,

Or was at least, unless ’tis since defaced,

Which with your conquerors is a common prank:

It stands some eighty versts from the high sea,

And measures round of toises thousands three.