For me, who am not very apt to believe in wonders, I cannot find faith for this. But they pretend to the knowledge of secrets that, by way of enchantment, give them the entire empire over whom they please. If one was to believe the women in this country, there is a surer way of making one’s self beloved than by becoming handsome though you know that’s our method. I am afraid you will doubt the truth of this account, which I own is very different from our common notions in England but it is no less truth for all that. that I am very positive the coldest and most rigid prude upon earth could not have looked upon them without thinking of something not to be spoken of.
The tunes so soft!-the motion so languishing. Nothing could be more artful, or more proper to raise certain ideas. This dance was very different from what I had seen before.
Her fair maids were ranged below the sofa, to the number of twenty, and put me in mind of the pictures of the ancient nymphs. She stood up to receive me, saluting me after their fashion, putting her hand upon her heart with a sweetness full of majesty, that no court breeding could ever give. and at her feet sat two young girls, the eldest about twelve years old, lovely as angels, dressed perfectly rich, and almost covered with jewels. On a sofa, raised three steps, and covered with fine Persian carpets, sat the kiyána’s lady. I was sorry that decency did not permit me to stop to consider them nearer. I was met at the door by two black eunuchs, who led me through a long gallery between two ranks of beautiful young girls. would have gone straight to my own house but the Greek lady with me earnestly solicited me to visit the kiyàya’s lady, saying hers was the second officer in the empire, and ought indeed to be looked upon as the first, the Grand Vizier having only the name, while he exercised the authority… All things here were with quite another air than at the Grand Vizier’s. After this ceremony, she commanded her slaves to play and dance, which they did with their guitars in their hands. The treat concluded with coffee and perfumes, which is a high mark of respect two slaves kneeling censed my hair, clothes, and handkerchief. She advanced to meet me, and presented me half a dozen of her friends with great civility. In the innermost I found the lady sitting on her sofa, in a sable vest. I chose to go incognito, to avoid any disputes about ceremony, and went in a Turkish coach, only attended by my woman that held up my train, and the Greek lady who was interpretress. I was invited to dine with the Grand Vizier’s lady, and it was with a great deal of pleasure I prepared myself for an entertainment which was never given before to any Christian.
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