Page:Travels & discoveries in the Levant (1865) Vol. 1.djvu/103

Rh case of the English embassy, is seldom made in vain.

In ordinary cases the Consul is represented at the Mejlis by his dragoman; when a matter of any importance demands his intervention, he goes himself.

It was on Monday last that I made my first appearance at the Mejlis of Mytilene. Knowing as yet no Turkish, and very little Greek, and being quite ignorant of the form of procedure in the court, I felt nearly as nervous when I walked in, as if I was going to be tried myself; but a little experience soon gave me confidence.

The place of meeting is a large square room, two sides of which, as is the fashion in Turkish houses, are composed entirely of windows. In the post of honour—in the right-hand corner, and facing the entrance-door—sits the Pasha, on a large divan, which runs along the side of the room opposite the door. On his left is the Cadi, with a book of Turkish law before him. On the right of the Pasha I found a vacant place for me. Then, all down the room, in nice gradation of dignity, were, first, the subordinate Turkish members of the Mejlis; then the Greek members; then the dragomans and other retainers, who were allowed chairs, but not seats on the divan.

The proceedings open, like all affairs in Turkey, with the bringing in of the chibouques, a distinction not extended beyond the precincts of the divan. The tobacco of a Pasha is very pleasant and aromatic, and there is none of that disagreeable thick vapour in the room which arises from the ashes of