Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

20 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

AN EASTERN WIFE'S REVENGE.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

AN EASTERN WIFE'S REVENGE. An invitation from our of the royal blood in the East is tantamount to a command, so that when the Princess Nazly Hanim, daughter of the Viceroy of Ecrypt, expressed a desire to make my acquaintance there was nothing left me to do but to express my gratification at the honour and accept it. Accompanied by my daughter, two slaves, a eunuch, and the Princess's messenger, I proceeded by water to Alexandria, where Her Highness's equipages were in waiting for us. The carriages were upholstered in crimson velvet, embroidered in gold, and the air was admitted through gilded trellis work. In t hem we drove to the JVLibmoHdieb Palace on the Nile, which, surrounded by magnifi- cent gardens, has quite a European air. At the Palace itself, a handsome hall opened on to a beautiful staircase, leading to the apartmnts on the floor above this vestibule was lined with slaves, attired in silks of brilliant hues, and adorned with iewela of great value. To do me honour other slaves oupported me by the arms, whilst two eunuchs held up my train. At the head of the stairs I was received by the Princess's treasuier, who ushered me to a vast apartment to rest myself awhile shortly after, I was informed that Her Highness was ready to receive me. f found her seated on a divan, smoking a long chibouk. She rose and welcomed me graciously. The Princess was a woman of medium height, dark, and with eyes that sparkled with energy and intelligence. Prostrating myself before her, she, with a gesture of her hand, invited me to seat my- self beside her on the divan. About the romi were gome old women, whose office it was to amuse the Princess with story-telling. A chibouk was brought me, and the Princess opened the conversation with a few compliments during the interview slaves handed us sherbet and coffee, and after half an hour I retired to the apartments that bad been prepared for me, which, like the rest of the Palace, were sumptuously furnished. The Princess dined alone with me. The dinner table was covered with a cloth of broidered silk, the various viands were served in artistically worked silver dishes, and the very spoons were adorned with precious stones. After dinner we retired to the gardens to smoke and take our coffee. About ten o'clock fruits and sherbets were brought us in golden vessels enriched, covers and all, with diamonds. After partaking of some wine, supplemented with some Cognac, the Princess unbent somewhat, and then some young dancing girls performed to the accompaniment of coppei castanets and singing. During the performance those slaves whose duty it was to remain in attendance could scarcely stand from fatigue nevertheless, they were bound to endure their tortures without giving a sign, or else their mistress would have ordered them to be soundly beaten no idle fear, for, as a fact, many have died from her ill-treatment. Tired of the spectacle, about midnight I obtained permission to retire to my rooms. An attendant accompanied me, with whom I engaged some little time in conversa- tion. We spoke of the Princess, and I gathered that her daily life was to rise about noon, pay a few visits, ride in her carriage, drink, and otherwise amuje herself. We are all unhappy here," said the attendant, through her capricious and cruel temper. Meie is an instance her late husbmd said once to a slave, who was pouring him out some water, enough my lamb'; that one word, repeated by malicious tongues to the Princess, drove her quite out of her mind with jealousy. The same day the poor girl a throat wtis cut by the Princess's orders, then her head was stuffed with rice and cooked, placed on a dish and offered to her husband at dinner. Take a piece of the lamb you are so fond of,' said she. But, as you may imagine, he had little appetite for such a dreadful dish and left the table never to live with her again. Her jealousy is such that on the least suspicion she would have her slaves whipped to death." The next morning my toilet accomplished, I rejoined the Princess, and found her examining some designs for jewellery. Let me have the help of your advice," said she, and she ordered two chests, each about three feet long and pro- portionately deep, to be brought to us. Now we will choose the slones," she continued. These chests were full of diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones, of inestimable value. The selection made we were about to close the coffers when she suddenly added, 1 want to make you a little present. Here are two diamonds which you must have mounted into two rings, one for your husband, the other for yourself." Each stone was worth over X200. Next she called for a third large coffer this was filleld with ingots of gold, which she desired to be made into a service of gold plate. I remarked silver would be better suited for the purpose, gold being so heavy. She agreed to my suggestion, but before closing the chest took two or three of the ingots out of it, and threw them at the feet of one of the slaves, saying, Here, these are for you." Before leaving the Palace I heard !rom an aged slave another story illustrative of the jealousy of her brother, Ibrahim Pacha. A eunuch fell in love with a favourite Circassian in the Pacha s harem, but being repulsed by her resolved to effect her ruin. One day he dropped a man's cloak just out- side the door of her apartment. When the Pacha, preceded by two eunuchs bearing torches, arrived, he was transported with passion. What means this?" cried he, pointing to the cloak. Your Highness," replied the wretch, doubtless some man who was with the Carcassian has fled, hearing your approach, leaving this behind him." Ibraham Pacha knocked hastily at the door the poor girl opened it, and the same moment, drawing his dagger, the Pacha with one blow stabbed her to death.

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