In one of the courts was a plain-columned hall on the level of the ground, which served as a reception-room.
This hall was overcrowded with glass lustres, lamps, and European furniture; on the walls were some miserable pictures, framed and glazed.

Outside was a swarm of servants, who gazed at us with great attention.

Presently the prince made his appearance, accompanied by his brother, and some courtiers and attendants, who could scarcely be distinguished the one from the other.
The two princes were very richly dressed; they wore wide trousers, long under and short over garments, all made of satin, embroidered with gold.

The elder one, aged thirty-five, wore short silk cuffs, embroidered with gold, the edge set with diamonds; he had several large brilliant rings on his finger, and his silk shoes were covered with beautiful gold embroidery.

His brother, a youth of nineteen, whom he had adopted, {170} wore a white turban with a costly clasp of diamonds and pearls.