WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
There are mazes in these fairy gardens formed of myrtle hedges. Near the mazes are huge marble fountains, the basins supported by female figures from whose mouths sparkling water spurts. In the centre of one fountain is an immense statue, in marble, of Ceres, carrying on her hand a basket of fruit and flowers, coloured in imitation of nature. The goddess holds in her hand a cornucopia filled with ears of wheat and bunches of black and white grapes.
Around the fountains are terraces of marble upon which stand light ironwork tables and couches. The fountains are surrounded and shaded by weeping willows, and among the trees are numerous statues.
Every garden has its swings for the women. Swinging is a favourite Oriental pastime, and in some of the temples of India swings are provided for both men and women. In the paintings of the school of Watteau, women are frequently represented in swings, surrounded by admiring gallants.
The swings of the harem gardens are shaped like barouches, and recall the swing-boats of our English fairs. They are fitted with cushions. From the garden one passes into a superb hall floored with marble, and with a ceiling gleaming with gold, supported by twenty-eight to thirty pink marble columns with carved capitals.
In another sumptuous harem, the halls are
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