'Collections of travels through Turky into Persia, and the East Indies. Giving an account of the present state of those countries, as also a full relation of the five years wars, between Aureng-Zebe and his brothers in their father's life time, about the succession. And a voyage made by the Great Mogul (Aureng-Zebe) with his Army from Dehli to Lahor, from Lahor to Bember, and from thence to the Kingdom of Kachemire, by the Mogols, call'd, the Paradise of the Indies. Together with a relation of the Kingdom of Japan and Tunkin, and of their particular manners and trade. To which is added a new description of the Grand Seignior's Seraglio, and also of all the Kingdoms that encompass the Euxine and Caspian Seas, being the travels of Monsieur TavernierBernier, and other great men.' [‎55] (604/1024)

A Relation of the Grand Seignors Seraglio.
CHAP. XL
A Subtle Expedient, whereby the Grand Seignor
exerciles great Liberalities, and meddles not at all
with his Revenues^
THE PRINCIPAL HEADS.
the Commendable Foticy of the Turks. Tthe Ceremonies attending
the Prefents fent by the Grand Seignor, to thofe whom he
would honour. The particular way us 6 d by Mahomet the
Fourth) to jhew himfelf liberal, without any charge to himfelf.
Formalities obfcrv d at the Death of the BaJJ'as, who are
ftranoled by the Prince's Orders. When, dnd how they flribg
of the Head in Turkey. A prohibition againfl fhedding the
blood of the MahumetanSj who are condemn d to Death. The
Inventories of the Goods of Baffd's deceas'd, not faithfully taken.
The Caufes inducing the Turks to defie Death with fo much
canjiancy. How difcnh it is to get out of Turkey. Prefents
made to the Sultanefies*
T HE Two expedients which the Grand Seignor nlakes ufe of to augment
his Trcafury, bcfideS what comes fn by the ordinary revenues of the Em
pire, are much of the fame nature, with thofe he ufes, to beftow great
Jargdles, without disbiirfing any thing himfelf. He makes his ad
vantages of all; the Baffat are as fo many fpunges* and he fqueezes them, as
Well while they arc living, as when they are dead, and at their coft alfigns
recompence to thofe, who have done him fome acceptable fervice. Let us take
things in order, one after another, and fhew in the firfl place, how he manages
his lubrle ddign, while the Bajfas arc living, in getting out of tberp wherewithal!
to make ample gratifications, without any diminution of his Revenues.
Afnongit the Political maximes of the Ottoman Monarcbs, this_ is one of the
theft remarkable. They would have the Baffd's to be refpe&ed in their .feveral
Governments, by the People, as much as if they were there themfelyes in Per-
fon .* and to makea greater,and a more lively impreffion of that veneration in their
minds, they think it fitting, to honour them, from time to time, with fome
frelent^ which is carried to diem with much Cetemonv. This Prefent, which
a certain demonflration of the Efteem, which the Prince has for the Pci ion
m whom he fends it, is commonly fome Rich Garment 5 and when he is willing
to rnjbe it compleatj he adds the Sabre, and the Ponyard, garnifh’d and adorn’d
With precious hones. The Grand Seignor, upon the cpnfideration before-mention
ed, finding himfelf as if were oblig’d to make a Prefent to that Baffa^ knowes
Well enough, that he Will be fare, on the other fide, to fend him one which fhallbe
Worth ten times as much, and to make another ro his Envoy, which he riiufl
lock on as a recompence of his Services. .