We had scarcely seated ourselves, when a large silver basin with elaborately worked nargillys were brought, and we were invited to smoke.  We declined this honour, and the prince smoked alone; he took only a few whiffs from the same nargilly, which was then replaced by another handsomer one.

The behaviour of the princes was very decorous and lively.  I regretted that we could communicate only through an interpreter.  He inquired whether I had ever seen a Natsch (festival dance).  On my answering that I had not, he immediately ordered one to be performed.

In half an hour two female dancers and three musicians appeared.  The dancers were dressed in gay gold-embroidered muslin, wide silk trousers, embroidered with gold, which reached to the ground, and quite covered their bare feet.  One of the musicians played upon two small drums, the other two on four-stringed instruments, similar to our violins.  They stood close behind the dancers, and played without melody or harmony; the dancers making at the same time very animated motions with their arms, hands, and fingers, more than with their feet, on which they wore silver bells, which they rung at intervals.  They made handsome and graceful drapings and figures with their over garments.  This performance lasted about a quarter of an hour, after which they accompanied the dance with singing.  The two sylphides shrieked so miserably that I was in fear for my ears and nerves.

During the performance, sweetmeats, fruits, and sherbet (a cooling, sweet, acidulated beverage) were handed round.

After the dance was ended, the prince asked if I would like to see his garden, which is a mile distant from the palace.  I was indiscreet enough to accept his offer.

In company with the young prince we proceeded to the front square of the palace, where elegantly ornamented elephants stood ready.  The elder prince’s favourite elephant, an animal of uncommon size and beauty, was destined for myself and Mr. Law.  A scarlet canopy, with tassels, fringes, and gold embroidered lace, nearly covered the whole animal.  A convenient seat was placed upon his broad back, which might be compared to a phaeton without wheels.  The elephant was made to kneel down, a ladder was placed against his side, and Mr. Law and myself took our places.  Behind us sat a servant, who held an enormously large umbrella over our heads.  The driver sat upon the neck of the animal, and pricked it now and then between the ears with a sharp-pointed iron rod.

The young prince, with his attendant and servants, took their places upon the other elephants.  Several officers on horseback rode at our side, two soldiers with drawn sabres ran in front of the party to clear the way, and upwards of a dozen soldiers, also with drawn sabres, surrounded us, while a few mounted soldiers brought up the rear.

Although the motion of the elephant is quite as jolting and unpleasant as that of the camel, this truly Indian ride afforded me great pleasure.