Among them the Viceroy of the Medes and
Persians, and his recent bride, the Princess Miriam, were conspicuous,
followed by a train of nearly ten thousand persons.
A throne, ascended by one hundred steps covered with crimson cloth, and
crowned by a golden canopy, was raised in the middle of the plain; on
each side was a throne less elevated, but equally gorgeous. In the front
of these thrones an immense circus was described, formed by one
hundred chartaks or amphitheatres, ample room for the admittance of the
multitude being left between the buildings. These chartaks were covered
with bright brocades and showy carpets; on each was hoisted a brilliant
banner. In some of them were bands of choice musicians, in others
companies of jugglers, buffoons, and storiers. Five chartaks on each
side of the thrones were allotted for the convenience of the court;
the rest were filled by the different trades of the city. In one the
fruiterers had formed a beautiful garden, glowing with pomegranates and
gourds and watermelons, oranges, almonds, and pistachio-nuts; in another
the butchers exhibited their meats carved in fanciful shapes, and the
skins of animals formed into ludicrous figures. Here assembled the
furriers, all dressed in masquerade, like leopards, lions, tigers and
foxes; and in another booth mustered the upholsterers, proud of a camel
made of wood, and reeds, and cord, and painted linen, a camel which
walked about as if alive, though ever and anon a curtain drawn aside
discovered to the marvelling multitude the workman within, performing in
his own piece.
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