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low, with a mehrcb or niche for prayer, and a window 
on each side; the whole is hung with rich carpets. 
The mehreb was occupied by a scherif who has a 
little table before him, on which is a plate, covered with 
several cloths richly embroidered, placed one upon 
another; the end of the relic appears under one of these 
cloths, for the veneration of the faithful believers. I was 
enabled to discover, notwithstanding the obscurity of 
the room, that the relic was a piece of coarse black or 
deep brown woollen cloth, and that it was not placed in 
the middle of the plate, but to the side upon the right, 
with a view, I presume, to guard it from the innu- 
merable kisses which it receives from the devout as- 
sembly. Every one present was impressed with a holy 
fear, and particular respect, and kissed, as it were in- 
stinctively, the middle of the plate, where the relic was 
not. It is thus preserved by this innocent stratagem 
from being worn out or soiled by the innumerable 
touches which in time would not fail to damage or sully 
it. I was a little more observant, though not less devout 
than the rest, and kissed the relic itself, applying my 
lips, eyes, cheeks, and forehead to it successively; but 
I took care to leave a considerable sum in alms to in- 
demnify them for this extraordinary service: God be 
praised! 
This inestimable relic, as also the hairs of the Pro- 
phet's beard, which I had seen the evening before, are 
presented for the adoration of the public only during 
the time of Ramaden every year. 
El Sarayciy The Seraglio, or the Sultan's palace, 
may be considered as a city within the city of Constan- 
tinople; its inclosure comprehends a multitude of ha^ 
bitations, houses, palaces, kiosks, and gardens, I saw 
