side of the thrones were allotted for the convenience of the court;
the rest were filled by the different trades of the city. In one the
fruiterers had formed a beautiful garden, glowing with pomegranates and
gourds and watermelons, oranges, almonds, and pistachio-nuts; in another
the butchers exhibited their meats carved in fanciful shapes, and the
skins of animals formed into ludicrous figures. Here assembled the
furriers, all dressed in masquerade, like leopards, lions, tigers and
foxes; and in another booth mustered the upholsterers, proud of a camel
made of wood, and reeds, and cord, and painted linen, a camel which
walked about as if alive, though ever and anon a curtain drawn aside
discovered to the marvelling multitude the workman within, performing in
his own piece. Further on might be perceived the cotton manufacturers,
whose chartak was full of birds of all shapes and plumage, formed
nevertheless of their curious plant; and, in the centre rose a lofty
minaret, constructed of the same material, with the help of reeds,
although every one imagined it to be built with bricks and mortar. It
was covered with embroidered work, and on the top was placed a stork, so
cunningly devised that the children pelted it with pistachio-nuts. The
saddlers showed their skill in two litters, open at top, each carried on
a dromedary, and in each a beautiful woman, who diverted the spectators
with light balls of gilt leather, throwing them up both with their
hands and feet. Nor were the mat-makers backward in the proof of their
dexterity, since, instead of a common banner, they exhibited a large
standard of reeds worked with two lines of writing in Kufic, proclaiming
the happy names of Alroy and Schirene.

But indeed in every chartak might be seen some wondrous specimens of the
wealth of Bagdad, and of the ingenuity of its unrivalled artisans.

Around this mighty circus, on every side for the space of many miles,
the plain was studded with innumerable pavilions. At measured intervals
were tables furnished with every species of provision, and attended by
appointed servants; flagons of wine and jars of sherbets, mingled
with infinite baskets of delicious fruits and trays of refreshing
confectionery. Although open to all comers, so great and rapid was the
supply, that these banqueting tables seemed ever laden; and that the
joys of the people might be complete, they were allowed to pursue
whatever pleasures they thought fit without any