decided once and for all to take Cyprus from the Veians。 Sheikhulislam
Ebussuut Effendi； recalling that this island was once designated a
missariat for Mecca and Medina； issued a fatwa which more or less stated
that it was inappropriate for an island which had helped sustain holy sites to
remain under Christian infidel control。 In turn； the difficult task of informing
the Veians of this unforeseen decision； that they must surrender their
island； fell to me。 As a result； I was able to tour the cathedrals of Venice。
Though I marveled at their bridges and palazzos； I was most enchanted by the
pictures hanging in Veian homes。 Nevertheless； in the midst of this
bewilderment； trusting in the hospitality displayed by the Veians； I
delivered the menacing correspondence； informing them in a haughty；
supercilious fashion that Our Sultan desired Cyprus。 The Veians were so
angry that in their congress； which had been hastily convened； it was decided
that even to discuss such a letter was unacceptable。 Furious mobs had forced
me to confine myself to the Doge’s palazzo。 And when some rogues managed
to get past the guards and doorkeepers and had set to strangling me； two of
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the Doge’s personal musketeers succeeded in escorting me out one of the
secret passage