| Citation |
NHG-P.771.004
18 Jan 1771:11,12 (744)
London October 26. Extract of a Private Letter from
Constantinople.
The north east parts of Europe are at present both delighted
and terrified by a species of magnificence, with which the
world has been for some time unacquainted. The Grand
Signior has at last taken the field in person. He is the
only Turkish Emperor who has headed his own armies since the
time of Solyman the Magnificent. When notice was given in
the Seraglio that an imperial camp was to be formed, it may
easily be conceived what was the surprise, and what was the
tumult. . . [17 lines] The Grand Signior sets out with a
pomp becoming what he stiles himself, The Master of the
World. The Imperial tent contains a square of an hundred
feet every way, and is covered on the outside with the
costliest tapestry. All the furniture is of silver, & over
every appartment into which it is divided, is a banner
interwove with golden threads, and edged with diamonds. The
crescent, which is raised high over the entrance, is on
shaffy gold. Around this pavilion are the tents of his
women & their attendants, into which it is death to enter,
and which are therefore distinguished from all others by a
covering of yellow silk, and by white plumes of ostrich
feathers waving on their tops. Their march is little less
magnificent than their encampment. The wagons which convey
the women, and which are probably the same as the Harmamaxae
of the ancient Persians are covered in like manner with
yellow silk; and the harness of the horses is adorned with
pearls. When the women dismount from their carriages,
notice is given by a particular sound of the instruments of
war, & the whole army turn their backs, that they may not
look upon them. . . [13 lines, 27 lines]
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