remained theoretical, however, in Suleiman’s time, since neither Austria nor Persia was ever able to attempt invasion. Thus the inherent character of the Ottoman Ruling Institution, as a single magnificent army united under the supreme command of the sultan, made the institution incapable of adaptation to an indefinitely expanding empire, and so set bounds, certain as those of fate, to Ottoman conquest. The sultan had but one arm; it was a long arm and a strong one, yet it could reach only a fixed distance, and it could strike but one blow. CHAPTER V THE RULING INSTITUTION: AS A NOBILITY AND A COURT I. PRIVILEGES OF THE KULLAR No disgrace was attached to the condition of being the sultan’s slave; on the contrary, the title of _kul_ was felt to be an honor. Boys longed to bear it.[401] No one who had it desired to be rid of it. It carried marked distinction and secured deference everywhere. Those who revealed by their costume, bearing, or assertion that they were the sultan’s property were treated with the consideration always granted in monarchies to property and persons closely related to the sovereign. This honor shown to the _kullar_ rested, however, on no mere servile attachment to the sultan and on no mere fear of an Oriental despot. The sultan’s slaves from lowest to highest were set off from his subjects by a distinct set of privileges which in Western minds were associated only with nobility. Besides a general protection over them all by means of careful registration and watchful organization, the sultan bestowed upon all his _kullar_ the personal rights of immunity from taxation,[402] and responsibility to none but their own officials and courts and to him.[403] At the same time he freed them all from anxiety about the necessities of life, and enabled most of them to enjoy its luxuries, by regular pay from his treasury, or, in the case of some high officials, by revenues from ample estates. In return for these privileges they were all sternly required to render him honorable service, usually of a military character. This service was not always of a character that the West considered honorable. The labors of the _Ajem-oghlans_, and the foot service of the Janissaries and auxiliary corps were not noble in Christian feudalism, which knew no implements but sword and spear and fought from the back of a horse. But these humble slaves of the sultan possessed the same privileges as the highest, and any service was honorable which would make their muscles stronger for fighting and teach them to contribute to the sultan’s military undertakings on sea and land. All members of the sultan’s family were supposed to use their income in strengthening his military forces. Janissaries had pay for themselves alone. _Ghurebas_ had only enough to keep themselves and one horse for each man. Other _Spahis_ of the Porte brought additional horsemen in accordance with their pay. Higher officials were expected to support