Western courier. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1837-1838, 1837-06-22
THE WIFE OF Ti!EBEY OFTUNIS.
A TUNEsIAN WEDDING.

In the castle yard, (said consular la
dy to Prince Puckler Muskau, we were
reccivedby the bey's secretary minister.
and conducted to the door of the second
court AT the double dooor of the Ha-
rem two Mamelukes stood on guard, one
OF whom summoned an Italian interpre-
trass, who invited us in. The room into
which we were introduced was hung with
gold, embroidered with satin: guilt bird
cages were hung from the ceiling, and
even here the walls were covered with
weapons. Opposite to US; on an ottoman,
sat the bey's wife, richly but not tastefuIy
dressed. She rose, received us with the
words, blessed be your entrance, and
may you stay as long as is agreeable to
you;' and made US sit beside her. Her
arms and feet were bare; on the latter
she wore small embroidered slippers,
which so little came on to the foot, that
she held them fast when she moved, be-
tween the great toe ana the one next to it.
From our seat we looked through several
rooms, in which were crowds of white
and black slaves, sitting on the ground,
some chattering, others variousIy occupi-
ed Altog .ther must have seen upwards
OF a thousand.
+
Having been well instructed, had
dressed myself gaudiiy ard strikingly,
whilst my companions, happening 10 be
mourning, were ell in black. |, therefore,
pleased the Princess best; she led me by
the hand, and pressed me to eat. Or
collation. consisted of swcatmeats.
When we had eaten enough, the re-
mander was picked up into baskets, one
of which was sent to each Iady's house.
Whilst VIC were eating, the bey, his broth
cr, and several of the princes appeared,
gazed curiously at US, and Withdrew with
out speaking word. Our visit ended by
a tour through the harcm, of which all the
rooms were furnished alike; only sleep
ing cabinet of the bcy's had any thing
remarkable, and of that the walls were
decorated from top to bottom with small
watches. The princess accompanied US
TO the harem door. The wedding was
far more interesting. The ceremonies
were performed in beautiful marble
court of the harem, over which was
spread a magnificent scarlet awning.
At the door of every room were placed
wax candles of foot in diameter, and
painted with red and green winding stripes
Over the fountain burnt hundreds Of var-
egatod lamps, and the whole scene called
to mind the Arabian tales. To the sound
of music, the bride. seated upon cush~
ion of gold brocadc, was broug int in by her .
brothers, and placed on an old-lashoined
very costly arm chair, that stoodin the
centre Of the court Her dress was ex-
traordinarily magnificent and heavy; the
parts being diadem loaded
with jewels, splendid anklets, and dazzl-
ing bracelets. Arms and feet were bare;
the soles and small portion of the sides
Of the latter, as we'll as the finger and toe
nails, were coored reddish brown with
hennu, and eye brows and eye ashes
were dyed black.-She appeared with
closed eyes, which she was not allowed to
open during the whole day; and the hus-
band was not permitted 10 see her for the
first three days of their marriage. Beside
her stood two dancing girls, and before
her stood negress with a colossal tine
tured basin, in which were deposited the
presents Of gold, jewels and other valua-
bles offered to her, whilst the nature Of