72 
DECLARATION OF LOVE. 
spread over the rich petals of this splendid 
member of the court of Flora. The resem¬ 
blance its shape bears to the turban is thus 
alluded to in Lalla Rookh: — 
What triumph crowds the rich divan to-day, 
With turbaned heads of every hue and race, 
Bowing before that veiled and awful face, 
Like tulip beds, of different shape and dyes, 
Bending beneath the invisible west wind’s sighs. 
Formerly, a feast of tulips was celebrated 
in the seraglio of the Grand Seignior. Long 
galleries were erected, with raised seats, co¬ 
vered with the richest tapestry, presenting 
the appearance of an amphitheatre. On these 
were placed an almost infinite number of 
crystal vases, filled with the most beautiful 
tulips the world produced. In the evening 
the scene was splendidly illuminated; the 
wax tapers, as they gave light, emitted the 
most exquisite odours. To these were added 
lamps of the most brilliant colours, forming 
on all sides garlands of opal, emeralds, sap¬ 
phires, diamonds, and rubies. Innumerable 
singing birds, in cages of gold, roused by 
the splendour of the scene, mingled their 
warbling notes with the melodious harmony 
of instruments, whose chords were tuned by- 
invisible musicians. Showers of rose water 
refreshed the air; and suddenly the doors 
were opened, and a number of young odalisks 
entered to blend the brilliancy of their charms 
