_(For the Mirror.)_
This standard, which is an object of peculiar reverence among the
Mussulman, was originally the curtain of the chamber door of Mahomet's
favourite wife. It is kept as the Palladium of the empire, and no infidel
can look upon it with impunity. It is carried out of Constantinople to
battle in cases of emergency, in great solemnity, before the Sultan, and
its return is hailed by all the people of the capital going out to meet it.
The Caaba, or black stone of Mecca is also much revered by the Turks; it
is placed in the Temple, and is expected to be endowed with speech at the
day of judgment, for the purpose of declaring the names of those pious
Mussulmen who have really performed the pilgrimage to Mecca, and poured
forth their devotions at the shrine of the prophet. INA.
* * * * *