LADIES OF BAGDAD. 
269 
wearer, than a few gold threads woven into its border. Instead 
of the white towel-like veil of the Persians, these ladies conceal 
their faces behind a much more hideous mask ; a black stuff 
envelope of horse-hair. The liberty they possess, of paying visits 
without the surviellance of a male guard, and under these im¬ 
penetrable garbs, are privileges, perhaps too friendly to a licence 
their husbands do not intend. So much the reverse is the case 
with Persian women of rank, they hardly move but on horse¬ 
back, and escorted always by trains of eunuchs, and other trusty 
vigilants. 
When the fair pedestrians of Bagdad issue from behind their 
clouds, on entering their own apartments, or those of the ladies 
they go to visit, dresses are displayed in every group, of the 
most gorgeous magnificence ; for it may easily be conceived, 
that rivalry with regard to personal charms, and graceful habili¬ 
ments, flourishes amongst the belles of an Eastern harem, as gaily 
as with those of a European ball-room. The wives of the higher 
classes in Bagdad, are usually selected from the most beautiful 
girls that can be obtained from Georgia and Circassia ; and, to 
their natural charms, in like manner with their captive sisters 
all over the East, they add the fancied embellishments of painted 
complexions, hands and feet dyed with henna, and their hair 
and eye-brows stained with the rang, or prepared indigo-leaf. 
Chains of gold, and collars of pearls, with various ornaments of 
precious stones, decorate the upper part of their persons, while 
solid bracelets of gold, in shapes resembling serpents, clasp their 
wrists and ankles. Silver and golden tissued muslins, not only 
form their turbans, but frequently their under-garments. In sum¬ 
mer, the ample pelisse is made of the most costly shawl, and 
in cold weather, lined and bordered with the choicest furs. The 
