CONSTANTINOPLE. 25 
itself, with a fountain in the centre, containing 
water to the depth of about three inches, and a 
few very small fishes. Answering to the plat- 
form mentioned in the description of the MosJc, 
is another, exactly of a similar nature, closely 
latticed, where the ladies sit durino- the season 
of their residence in this place. We were 
pleased with observing a few things they had 
carelessly left upon the sofas, and which cha- 
racterized their mode of life. Among these 
was an English writing-box, of black varnished 
wood, with a sliding cover, and drawers; the 
drawers containing coloured writing paper, reed 
pens, perfumed wax, and little bags made of 
embroidered satin, in which their billets-doux 
are sent, by negro slaves, who are both mutes 
and eunuchs. That liqueurs are drunk in these 
secluded chambers is evident; for we found 
labels for bottles, neatly cut out with scissars, 
bearing Turkish inscriptions, with the words 
*' Rosoglio,'" " Golden JVater,'' and " JVater of 
Life'' These we carried off as trophies of our 
visit to the place, and distributed them among 
our friends'. Having now seen every part of 
(1) The inscriptions upon the labels were translated by the principal 
Dragoman of the Austrian Ambassador: but they have been since shewn 
to other Oriental scholars, all of whom afforded the same interpretation. 
It matters not whetlier tlie liqueurs were drunk by the Sultan, or his 
ladies : the fact must speak for itself. 
