

iy 
2 DECLARATION OF LOVE. 
crimson and delicate rose colour, with every 
possible variety of tint, which are harmoniously 
blended together and spread over thestich petals 
of this splendid member of the court of Flora. 
The resemblance 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 gal- 
leries were erected, with raised seats, covered 
with the richest tapestry, presenting the appear- 
ance of an amphitheatre. On these were placed 
an almost infinite number of crystal vases, filled 
with the most beautiful tulips the world pro- 
duced. 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, sapphires, diamonds, and rubies. 
Innumerable singing birds, in cages of gold, 
roused by the splendour of the scene, mingled 
their warbling notes with the melodious har- 
mony of instruments, whose chords were tuned 
vy invisibie musicians. Showers of rose water 
refreshed the air; and suddenly the doors were 




















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