Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/196

 into the Street, and from thence, with a great deal of Pleasure, I saw all the grand Procession.

Gulupagi and Ulufagi marched two by two; the Selchers one by one, and Spahi's (which are the Names of the Grand Seignior's Horse-Guards) distinguished by their Ranks and Troops; they were about 6000, besides a vast number of the Domesticks of the Prime Vizier, and of other Bashaws. The Turkish Horsemen make a gallant Show; the best Breed of Horses is from Cappadocia and Syria, and the adjacent Countries; he is set out with Silver Trappings, studded with Gold and Jewels. His Rider is clad with a Coat or Vest made of Silk Velvet, or other fine Cloth of Scarlet, Purple or dark blue Colour, intermixed with Gold and Silver. He hath two Cases hanging by his sides, one holds his Bow, the other his Arrows, both of neat Babylonian Workmanship; and so is his Buckler which he bears on his Left Arm, and is Proof against Arrows, Clubs, or Swords. In his Right Hand, unless he desire to have it free, he carries a light Spear, for the most part painted with Green. His Scimiter is studded with Jewels, and made of steel, and it hangs down from his Saddle. What need so much Armour, say you? I'll tell you. They use them all; and that dextrously too. You'll reply, how can he use that Spear and the Bow too? What! will he take up his Spear when he hath broken, or thrown away, his Bow? Not so neither; for he keeps his Spear, as long as he can: But, when he hath occasion to use his Bow, the Spear, being light and easily manag'd, he puts between his Saddle and his Thigh; so that the Point of it sticks out backward; and thus he presses it down with his Knee, as long as he pleases. But, if he fights only with the Spear, then he puts up his Bow into his Case, or else with his left Hand places it behind