Note 293 — Chapter III · THE HAÏK.

The finery of a modern Moorish grandee is thus described by Mr. Hay: “The Basha was reclining on a rich carpet, supported by round velvet cushions, embroidered in gold. He was dressed in a pale green caftan, over which was a fine muslin robe. He had wide trousers, of a light-coloured yellow cloth. His girdle was of red leather, embroidered in silk, with a silver clasp. He wore on his head the common Fez cap, circled by a white turban, and over all fell a transparent haïk of the finest texture. In his hand he held a rosary. His manners were graceful and gentlemanly, and a pleasant smile gave an agreeable expression to his features. The father of this potentate was Basha over half the empire, and proved a good friend to the English during the war on the Peninsula, when we depended much on West Barbary for the supply of our armies, and also of our fleets in the neighbouring seas.”—Western Barbary, p. 110.