Page:Adventures of Baron Wenceslas Wratislaw of Mitrowitz (1862).djvu/93

 they affect the head and brain of a person unaccustomed to the scent. The Turkish tulip has hardly any scent, and yet many people value it for its beauty and the variety of its colours. The Turks are fond of sur rounding themselves with fiowers, and, though they are notover-prodigal of their money, still they do not grudge laying out a few aspers, or kreutzers, for an inconsider able flower. Flowers, and presents also, cost my lord the ambassador, and ourselves, a good deal; for when the janissaries and other Turks brought them as pre sents, we were obliged immediately to give an asper or so in return, and thus show that we were grateful for the gift.

And, in truth, whoever wishes to dwell amongst the Turks cannot help himself, but, as soon as he enters into their territories, must immediately open his purse, and not shut it till he leaves them again, and must con stantly be sowing money as a kind of seed, since for money he can procure himself favour, love, and every thing that he wants. And, if no other advantage comes ‘1 therefrom, at any rate this does, that there is no other: means of successfully taming and quieting the Turks, g who are of a ferocious character from their birth, and different from other nations. The Turks allow themsrh selves to be calmed by money, as by some delightful strain, otherwise it would be impossible to have any dealings or transact any business with them. Without money foreigners would scarcely be able to live amongst them, or visit those regions, for the Turks are shameless and immoderate in taking money and presents. Even pashas and other great lords, when no present is made them, have the audacity to ask for presents through