Note 135 — PART I. MASTER THOMAS DALLAM’S DIARY. (continued 2)

Sir Paul Ricaut, in his book on Turkish policy, thus describes the dumb:—“They are called Bizebani or mutes, which are taught mute language made up of several signs, in which, by custom, they can discourse and fully express themselves. Eight or nine are called favourite mutes, who serve for buffoons to sport with, whom he sometimes kicks, sometimes throws in the cisterns of water, sometimes makes fight together ... the mute language is much in vogue at Court, amongst others, as it is rude even to whisper in the Grand Signior’s presence ... the dwarfs are called Giuge, and especially valued if they are also eunuchs and deaf.”