Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-01-29
MnHlELLANr.
AN EGYPTIAN HAREM.

18th every marx VI hospitality aud t,sih.st,oa.
Among ti.- party we're several Ansv,rsn i.sIics.
o,se a whom thus Ii ssriLcs their visit To the
Haven % the P.<hs;
We are the only Christians who have
ever been admitted into the Pasha's
Harem. We were there twice. The
hrst time was a mere visit, but the Sc
cond was 10 spend the day. must
cndcavor To describe IL for you. AT the
gate we were received by dozen black
eunuchs. Who led us TO the garden gate,
where we found three girls playing
upon different Arab instruments, while
two others were singing and two dan
cling, magnificcntly dressed i'm crimson
snd blue cloth. embroidered in gold
tho full Pantaloon hanging over the
foot, Just allowing an embroidered slip
per to be sccn-a jacket, tight to the
shape, without sleeves, open a little
upon the chest. where appeared a che
mise of blue or white Cause, closely
spanglcd, sleeves of the same, hanging
large and full 10 the elbow, and down
behind IN dozen plaits; and on the
SIDE and top of the head, large sprigs of
diamonds. A sash of gold tissue, with
deep gold fringe, finished the dress.
These pretty creatures preceded Us
to the palace door, where We were
met like old iricnGs by the Sul,ana, her
maids OF honor and attendants, To the
number of hundred at least. The
great hall of state into which VIC were
uShcrcd was all immense one, linci and
iloorcd with White marble; in the CEN
tire basin ID feet square, and large
fountain, from which the clcarcst " alter
was playing. the ceiling richly painted
and gut, one side of the hall lined with
ottomans OF white silk, embroidered in
gold and beautiful Persian CARPET
spread in front OF them. As soon a.
we were seated, coffee and pipes were
handed To us. The Sultana is about
% 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 a sort of skull can
formed entirely of diamonds. Around
this was twisted an embroidered ker-
chief, and on the left side, down near
the ear, was placed sprig of flowers
made OF enormous diamonds; earrings,
a single pair. shaped like drop, as
large as the end Of my little finger, and
on her little finger was a most superb
diamond ring. Around US stood the
hundred attendants, dressed I'm colourcd
silks, and every one, even of the low
est rank, with heads covered with dia-
monds. The pipe stemsand sockets of
the coffee cups were also covered with
these precious stones. Such a glitter
l never saw before. An Armenian
woman who spoke Italian was there As
our Interpreters. Our gloves and bac-
kles excited their admiration, indeed
our whole dress. don't know that I
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 half past twelve we
were led by the Sultana, down TO the
reception room 10 dinner. As we en-
tered, girls bearing silver basins ap-
preached; Others with pitchers poured
water over our hand, others again
presented us towels. On the centre of
the Persian carpet was placed a small
table, about a foot square, covered with
q cloth Of gold tissue. On that was n
circular glass waiter, abou, three feet in
diameter. In the centre was dish Of
roast mutton.-The Sultana sat down.
with my mother and self on either side
OF her; then F., and c., and
lady Of the Court, formerly a slave
OF the Pasha's, now married 90 Colo
mel. The Interpreters stood and carved
for us.
The china was French and handsome
silver knives and forks, Sc. which
the Sultnna knew not how 10 use. She
punched at her meat in the most I'M
merciiul manner. When we sat down.
a napkin was placed on each Of our
laps; another, embroidered in guld
laid over the right shoulder. and n
third. and finer one, laid upon the
lap To wipe the mouth with. Some Of
the slaves famed us--some held the diff
ferent dishcs-Cthers salVers Of knives.
and others again silver pitchers. and so
on. What with The beautiful dresses.
the CLUTTER of gold and diamonds. the
diVan. the spacious hall and fountain.
~ seemed that the scenes of the Ara
hian nights were realized before me. |
] wish you could have seen II. Our !
only regret was that thi. beautiful scene /
could not be enjoyed by some Of our
friends.
II j. said there I, no pleasure without
pain. Truly u was 80 IN this case -
The dinner vas almost too much for us. |
We counted thiuy-hinc different d,sbes.
served one II a time, and Of each we
we're Obliged 10 eat little. And IN
strangely served As they weref The
hrst FIVE dishes were Of mutton. nee.
Sc.--then q sweet dish--then fried
hsh and fried lsmons-then meat