SULTAN AT MOSQUE. 267 



First there came four led horses, magnilicent 

 animals, richly caparisoned with saddle-cloths 

 splendidly embroidered ; next followed the admi- 

 rals of the fleet and generals of the land forces, 

 all mounted on prancing and foaming steeds, 

 richly ornamented with every imaginable descrip- 

 tion of glitter and tinsel ; then two more led 

 norses ; then the pachas and ministers of state, 

 more covered still, if possible, with jewels and 

 gold embroidery; and last of all, the sultan him- 

 self, in the midst of his guards. A band, which 

 was stationed near where I had posted myself, 

 played during the procession, or rather made a 

 great noise, with very little tune, and no har- 

 mony. I have heard several Turkish bands, 

 and really I think the one on this occasion was 

 the worst I have ever heard in all my life. 

 The sultan had a sort of blue cloak over him, 

 and a fez on his head. His long and jet- 

 black beard contrasted strangely with his thin, 

 pallid, and careworn countenance, whilst the 

 long, loose cloak served but slightly to con- 

 ceal his skeleton-like figure, and no one could 

 fail to remark how desperately emaciated he 

 looked. 



N 2 



