THE SERAGLIO. 
79 
ishment that may captivate the senses and stimulate 
the passions. These lovely captives are never per- 
mitted to appear abroad, except when the emperor 
travels, and then they are conveyed in litters closed 
by curtains, or in boats with small cabins, admitting 
the light and air only through narrow Venetian 
blinds. 
The apartments of the seraglio are very splendid, 
always, however, of course in proportion to the wealth 
of the prince ; and the favourite object of his affections 
exhibits the dignity and enjoys the privileges of a 
queen, though of a queen in captivity. While her 
beauty lasts she is frequently regarded with a feeling 
almost amounting to idolatry ; but when that beauty 
passes away, the warmth of love subsides, her person 
no longer charms, her voice ceases to impart delight, 
her faded cheeks and sharpened tones become disagree- 
able memorials of the past. Neither her song nor her 
lute are now heard with pleasure, for, in the beautiful 
imagery of the Persian poet, “ When the roses wither 
and the bower loses its sweetness, you have no longer 
the tale of the nightingale.” 
The favourite, however, while she continues her 
ascendency over the heart of her lord, is treated with 
sovereign respect throughout the harem. She smokes 
her golden-tubed hooka, the mouth-piece studded with 
gems, and enjoys the fresh morning breeze under a 
verandah that overlooks the gardens of the palace, 
attended by her damsels, only second to herself in 
attractions of person and splendour of attire. 
“ Her smiling countenance resplendent shines 
With youth and loveliness ; her lips disclose 
