again at Constantinople,
though I have reason to believe there is nothing finer than what is
to be found here, as this place is at present the residence of the
court. The grand signior's eldest daughter was married some few days
before I came hither; and, upon that occasion, the Turkish ladies
display all their magnificence. The bride was conducted to her
husband's house in very great splendor (sic). She is widow of the
late vizier, who was killed at Peterwaradin, though that ought rather
to be called a contract than a marriage, since she never has lived
with him; however, the greatest part of his wealth is hers. He had
the permission of visiting her in the seraglio; and, being one of the
handsomest men in the empire, had very much engaged her
affections.--When she saw this second husband, who is at least fifty,
she could not forbear bursting into tears. He is indeed a man of
merit, and the declared favourite of the sultan, (which they call
_ mosayp_) but that is not enough to make him pleasing in the eyes of
a girl of thirteen.

THE government here is entirely in the hands of the army, the grand
signior, with all his absolute power, is as much a slave as any of
his subjects, and trembles at a janizary's frown. Here is, indeed, a
much greater appearance of subjection than amongst us; a minister of
state is not spoke to, but upon the knee: should a reflection on his
conduct be dropt (sic) in a coffee-house (for they have spies every
where) the house would be raz'd (sic) to the ground, and perhaps the
whole company put to the torture. No _huzzaing mobs, senseless
pamphlets, and tavern disputes about politics_;

A consequential ill that freedom draws;
A bad effect,--but from a noble cause.

None of our harmless calling names! but when a minister here
displeases the people, in three hours time he is dragged even from
his master's arms. They cut off hands, head, and feet, and throw
them before the palace gate, with all the respect in the world; while
the sultan (to whom they all profess an unlimited adoration) sits
trembling in his apartment, and dare neither defend nor revenge his
favourite. This is the blessed condition of the most absolute
monarch upon earth, who o---- no l---- but his _will_. [Editor's
note: Two words are unreadable due to damage to the book which may
have occurred at the time of printing. It seems probable that the
sentence should end ".. who owns no limit but h