The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-02-25

twice. The first time was mere visit, but the sec
ond was to spend the day. I must endeavor to de
scribe it for you At the gate were received b.
a dozen black eunucbs, who led us TO the gardei
gate where we found two girls playing upon differ
cnt Arab instruments, while two others were singin,
and two dancing, magnifcently dressed in crimson
and blue cloth, embroidered in gold-the full pan
taloon hanging over the foot, just allowing an EN-
broidered slipper to be seen-a jacket, tight to thu
shape, without sleeves, open little upon the chest
where appeared chemise of blue or white gauze
closely spanged. sleeves of the same, hanging larg,
and full to the elbow and down behind in dozer
plats; and Oh the side and top of the head, large
sprgs of diamonds. A sash of gold tissue, with Q
deep gold fringe finished the dress. These pretty
creatures preceded us to the palace door, where we
were met like old friends by the Sutana, her maids
of honor and attendants, to the number of a hun.
dred at least The great hall of state into which
we were ushered was an immense one, lined and
fioored with white marble; in the centre basin l5
feet square, and large fountain, from which the
clearest water was playing; the ceiling richly pain
ted and gilt one side of the hall lined with otto
mans of white silk, embroidered in gold, and beau
hfur Persian carpet spread in front of them. As
soon as we were seated, coffee and pipes were han
ded to us. The Sultana is about 35 years old, with
fine face, though the eye is stern-dignifed and
affable in her manners. Her dress was chali, made
in Turkish style, only more closed over the neck
On her head was sort of scul-cap, formed entire
ly of diamonds. Around this twisted en-
brOidered kerchef, and the left side, down near
the ear, was placed sprig of flowers made oi
enormous diamonds earrings, a single pair, shap-
ed like drop, as large the end of my little fin
ger, and on her little finger was most superb dia-
mOnd ring. Around us stood the hundred atten-
dants, dressed in colored silks and every one, even
of the lowest rank, with heads, covered with dia-
monds. The pipe stems and sockets of the coffee
cups were also covered with these precious stones.
Such glitter j never saw before An Armenian
woman who spoke Italian there as our inter-
pretess. Our gloves and buckles excited their ad-
miration, indeed our whole dress. l don't know
that was ever so hauled and pulled about as was
that day.
We were taken all over the palace, and it We'd
throughout in elegance with the great hall. AT halt
past twelve, we were led by the Sultanna, down TO
the reception room to dinner. AS we entered, girls
bearing silver basins approached others with pitch
ers poured water over our heads others again pre-
sented us towels On the centre of the Persian
pet was placed small table, about foot square,
covered with cloth of gold tissue. On that a
circular glass waiter about three feet in diameter.
In the centre was dish of roast mutton,-The Sui
tana sat down, with my mother and self on either
side of her then, E, and C., and lady
of the Court, formerly slave of the Pasha's, now
married to a Colonel The Interpreters stood and
carved for us. The China was French and hand
some--silver knives and forks, &c. which the Sui
tana knew not how to use. She punched at her
meat in a most unrnerciful manner. When we sat
down, napkin was placed each of our laps; (;
another, embroidered in gold laid over the right
shoulder, and third, and finer one, laid upon
the lap, to wipe the mouth with. Some of the
slaves famed us-some held the different dishes,-
others savers Of knives, and others again silver pitch
ers, and so on. What with the beautiful dresses,
the glitter of gold and diamonds, the diyan, the spa
IN - 81.
Of the Arabian nights realized before me. l
wish you could have seen it. Our only regret was
that this beautiful scene could not be enjoyed by
some of our friends.
1t said there is no pleasure without pain. Truly
it was so in this case The dinner almost too
much for us. We counted ihirty-nine different
dishes, served one at time, and of each we were
obliged to eat little. And strangely served as
they were The first five dishes were of mutton,
rice, &c.-then sweet dsh-then fried fish, and
fried lemons--then mcat-then another sweet dish
next fried fish and nuts,-and so till the thirty
ninth-which was stewed rice and bonny-clabber.
The glass salvcr was then taken away, and silver
one, with melons, peaches, grapes, &C. replaced it.
When we from the table, the girls with the basins
knelt before us, and hands were washed as before,
when pipes and coffee were given US to finish off
with. While we smoaked, the Sultana retired to
prayers, which she does FIVE times day. Then if
you could have witnessed the scene, you would have
imagined us amongst parcel of great children.
Oh, how we were dragged about, patted and pulled,
each woman declaring we belonged to her and
should not speak to the others. At o'clock we
were sent for to depart, the gentlemen were sat-
iatedwith smoking and could wait no longer. They
had been with the Governor all this time. The
Sultana held us tight, and said the Capdan Pasha,
had no business to send for us and it was four
o'clock before we could get away. We made a
great procession through the garden. First went
the MUSICAL dancing and singing girls then the Sui
tana and ourselves, slaves bearing fans of peacock
feathers over our heads, and then came the attend
ants AT the garden gate, sherbet was handed, when
we took a kind farewell Of our hospitable Sultana
and were consigned to the care the Eunuchs, and
at the carriage found the gentlemen impatient to hear
all about what we had seen.