CONSTANTINOPLE. 29 
frolics'. At the upper end is the throne, a 
sort of cage, in which the Sultana sits, sur- 
rounded by latticed blinds ; for even here her 
person is held too sacred to be exposed to 
the common observation of slaves and females 
of the Charem. A lofty flight of broad steps, 
covered with crimson cloth, leads to this 
cage, as to a throne. Immediately in front 
of the cage are two burnished chairs of state, 
covered with crimson velvet and gold, one 
on each side of the entrance. To the right 
and the left of the throne, and upon a level 
with it, are the sleeping apartments of the 
Sultan Mother, and her principal females in 
waiting. The external windows of the throne 
are all latticed: on one side they look towards 
the sea, and on the other into the quadrangle 
of the Charem; the cham1)er itself occupying 
the whole breadth of the buildino^, on the side 
(1) The mischief done in this way, by tlie Grand Sigm'or's women, is 
so great, that some of the most costly articles of furniture are removed, 
when they come from their winter apartments into this palace. Among 
the number, was the large coloured lustre given by the Earl of Elgin : 
this was only suspended during their absence ; and even then by a common 
rope. We saw it in this state. The offending ladies, when detected, 
are actually whipped by the black eunuchs, whom it is their chief 
amusement to elude and to ridicule. As this mode of punishment has 
been doubted by certain advocates for Turfcish refinement, the author 
has taken some pains to ascertain the fact; and is responsible for its 
▼eracity. 
