[133] Tissue = interwoven or variegated. “The chariot was covered with cloth of gold tissued upon blue.” (Bacon.)
[134] Made of Spanish leather. “I will send you the Cordovan pockets and gloves.” (Howell, Familiar Letters, 1650.)
[135] Sir Paul Ricaut, in his book on Turkish policy, thus describes the dumb:—“They are called Bizebani or mutes, which are taught mute language made up of several signs, in which, by custom, they can discourse and fully express themselves. Eight or nine are called favourite mutes, who serve for buffoons to sport with, whom he sometimes kicks, sometimes throws in the cisterns of water, sometimes makes fight together ... the mute language is much in vogue at Court, amongst others, as it is rude even to whisper in the Grand Signior’s presence ... the dwarfs are called Giuge, and especially valued if they are also eunuchs and deaf.”
[136] Sequins.
[137] The Baily of Venice at Constantinople at that time was one of the Capello family, celebrated for their admirals and statesmen. He retained the office from 1596 to 1604.
[138] Mandilion = a soldier’s cloak. “A mandilion that did with button meet.” (Chapman: Hom., Il., x.)
[139] Scamatie, deriv. Italian scamatare, to beat off the dust of wool.
[140] Muslin or lawn.
[141] The high shoe is still worn by Turkish women. ([Vide note, p. 2.])
[142] The vizier. Ibrahim was Grand Vizier just then, a creature of Mohamed III and the Validè Sultan’s. He was the third Grand Vizier appointed in the year 1598, and was himself appointed for the third time. He had pillaged Egypt, assassinated the Druses, and during his period of office as Grand Vizier, which continued till his death in 1601, he perpetrated every horror possible. He married a daughter of the Sultan’s, and kept in the favour of the Sultan’s mother by giving her magnificent presents. (Von Hammer.)