The Ambassadors of _Christian_ Princes, when they are admitted by the Grand Signior to an Audience, (their Presents being then of course made, which are look'd upon as due, not to say, as an Homage) are dismiss'd in few Words, and referred by him to his _Wakil_ or Deputy, as he usually stiles the chief _Vizir_: And a small number of their Retinue only permitted the Honour of kissing his Vest, and then rudely enough sent away. The Grand Signiors keep up the State of the old _Asiatick_ Princes: They do not expose themselves often to the View of the People, unless when they ride in Triumph, or upon some such solemn Occasion; when they go to the Moschs, or divert themselves in the Fields, either in Riding or Hunting, they do not love to be stared upon, or approached. It is highly Criminal to pry into their Sports, such an Insolent Curiosity being often punished with Death. The Story is Famous of _Morad_ the Third, who baiting a Bear in the old Palace with a Mastiff, and espying three Fellows upon the Tower of _Bajazid's_ Mosch, who had planted themselves to see the Sport, commanded their Heads to be struck off immediately, and be brought before him, which was done accordingly. Instances of such Capricio's are frequent in the _Turkish_ History; this following happened during my stay at _Constantinople_. Upon the return of Vizir _Achmet_ from _Candia_, after the Surrendry of that City, and a happy end put by him to that tedious and bloody War, he acquainting the present Emperor, then at _Adrianople_, with the History of that famous Siege at large, made such terrible Representations of their and the _Venetians_ Mining and Countermining one another, that the Emperor was resolved out of Curiosity to see the Experiment made of a thing, that seemed to him almost Incredible. A Work was soon raised and undermined, and above 30 Murderers and Robbers upon the High-Way and such like Villains were put into it, as it were to defend it. The Grand Signior stood upon an Eminence at some considerable distance, expecting the issue of it; upon a Signal given, the Mine was sprung, and the Fort demolished, and the poor Wretches torn piece-meal to his great Satisfaction and Amazement. The Moon is the auspicious Planet of the _Turks_: According to the course of which they celebrate their Festivals. They begin their Months from the first appearance of it, at which time they choose, except a delay brings a great Prejudice and Inconvenience with it, to begin their great Actions. The Crescent is the Ensign of the Empire, which they Paint in Banners, and place upon the Spires of their Moschs. Next to the Day of the appearing Moon, they pitch upon _Friday_, to fight upon, to begin a journey, and especially their Pilgrimage toward _Mecca_, or do any thing of great Consequence, as very lucky and fortunate.