The last
of these was a snow-white steed, upon whose front was the likeness of a
ruby star, a courser of the sacred stud of Solomon, and crossed only by
the descendants of the Prophet.
The muffled kettle-drums heralded the company of black eunuchs, with
their scarlet vests and ivory battle-axes. They surrounded and shrouded
from the vulgar gaze fourteen beautiful Circassian girls, whose
brilliant visages and perfect forms were otherwise concealed by their
long veils and ample drapery.
The gorgeous procession, as they approached the conqueror, bowed humbly
to Alroy, and formed in order on each side of the broad avenue. The
deputation appeared; twelve of the principal citizens of Bagdad, with
folded arms, and downcast eyes, and disordered raiment. Meekly and
mutely each touched the earth with his hand, and kissed it in token of
submission, and then, moving aside, made way for the chief envoy and
orator of the company, Honain!
Humbly, but gracefully, the physician of the caliph bowed before the
conqueror of the East. His appearance and demeanour afforded a contrast
to the aspect of his brother envoys; not less calm or contented his
countenance, not less sumptuous or studied his attire, than when he
first rescued Alroy in the bazaar of Bagdad from the grip of the false
Abdallah.
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