The rarities of Turkey, gathered by one that was sold seven times a slave in the Turkish Empire, and now exposed to view for the benefit of his native countrey:.

Of their manner of eating.

WHen they go to Dinner, they first strow Mattresses on the floor, and spread upon them Carpets or Pillows; some sit on the bare ground. Their Tables are made of skins, and plaited, to be drawn open more or less, like to a budget. They neither sit, as we do, nor lie along on elbowes, as the ancients; but like a cross of Burgondy, with leggs infolded, they sit Taylor-wise. They alwayes Pray before they eat, then eat greedily and hastily, but with deep silence; and in that time their Wives secluded from them. Men-servants after twelve yeers age, are never suf∣fered to co-habitate in houses where Women are; but under such age,

they go about the houses, serving their Master's occasions. Captive women have never liberty to go a∣broad, unless their Mistresses or Ladies go to Vineyards, Graves of Friends departed, Baths, or Gardens out of Town (which they often do) for recreation sake; and otherwise are kept strict at work in houses, not suffered to converse with other captive Servants; as shall be more at large declared in the following Chapter. Their dishes are commonly placed at such distance one over another, as 'twere on Pillars, that each man may make choice of three, which pleaseth best. They eat three times a day; but quick therein, unless at a Feast, where they sit all day.