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white, and soft as silk: the handle is gold or silver, sometimes 

 studded with jewels. The chouree is useful in keeping off the flies 

 and other insects that swarm in hot climates, and also forms a part 

 of oriental state. The cruppers, martingales, and bridles of the 

 horses, are ornamented, according to the rank and wealth of the 

 owner, with gold or silver plates, knobs, coins, and a variety of 

 decorations: the tails of the grey horses are frequently dyed of a 

 red and orange colour, and the manes plaited with silk and rib- 

 bands, interspersed with silver roses: the camp abounds with far- 

 riers, and every thing necessary for their profession. 



The great men have also servants with gold and silver staves of 

 rich workmanship running before them, called chopdars and assa- 

 burdars; a sort of heralds, who sing their praises, and proclaim 

 their titles in the hyperbolic style of the east: in general, their lord 

 levels the mountains, and exhausts the ocean; he awes the earth, 

 subdues the nations, and makes the people tremble at his nod. 

 The chaunters of Judea thus sang the exploits of the heroes of 

 Israel when Saul had slain his thousands, and David his ten 

 thousands. The generals are likewise distinguished by some title, 

 exclusive of their family name; sometimes it is given at their birth; 

 but oftener conferred by the prince for gallant behaviour, and a 

 reward of military merit; as the valiant swordsman, the illustrious 

 conqueror, the victorious hero, the ornament of the age, or some 

 other honourable appellation. The women also have names ex- 

 pressive of their personal charms, or their lord's affection; choice 

 of my heart, delight of my eyes, morning star, fragrant rose, coral 

 lips, and a thousand similar fancies, distinguish the favourite ladies 



