tone; and in Asia, any man that is rich is forced to
enrol himself a janizary, to secure his estate.--But I have already
said enough; and I dare swear, dear madam, that, by this time, 'tis a
very comfortable reflection to you, that there is no possibility of
your receiving such a tedious letter but once in six months; 'tis
that consideration has given me the assurance of entertaining you so
long, and will, I hope, plead the excuse of, dear madam, Your's, &c.

LET. XXIX.

TO THE COUNTESS OF ----.

_Adrianople, April_. 1. O. S. 1717.

I WISH to God, dear sister, that you were as regular in letting me
know what passes on your side of the globe, as I am careful in
endeavouring to amuse you by the account of all I see here, that I
think worth your notice. You content yourself with telling me over
and over, that the town is very dull: it may, possibly, be dull to
you, when every day does not present you with something new; but for
me that am in arrears, at least two months news, all that seems very
stale with you, would be very fresh and sweet here. Pray let me into
more particulars, and I will try to awaken your gratitude, by giving
you a full and true relation of the novelties of this place, none of
which would surprise you more than a sight of my person, as I am now
in my Turkish habit, though I believe you would be of my opinion,
that 'tis admirably becoming.--I intend to send you my picture; in
the mean time accept of it here.

THE first part of my dress is a pair of drawers, very full that reach
to my shoes, and conceal the legs more modestly than your petticoats.
They are of a thin rose-coloured damask, brocaded with silver
flowers. My shoes are of white kid leather, embroidered with gold.
Over this hangs my smock, of a fine white silk gauze, edged with
embroidery. This smock has wide sleeves hanging half way down the
arm, and is closed at the neck with a diamond button; but the shape
and colour of the bosom is very well to be distinguished through
it.--The _antery_ is a waistcoat, made close to the shape, of white
and gold damask, with very long sleeves falling back, and fringed
with deep gold fringe, and should have diamond or pearl buttons. My
_caftan_, of the same stuff with my drawers, is a robe exactly fitted
to my shape, and reaching to my feet, with very long strait falling
sleeves. Over this is my girdle, of about four fingers broad, which,
all that can afford it, have entirely of diamonds or oth