DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4669#0056
THE SYCE OR "HERALD" 35
the back are large groves of orange trees and date-
palms. Our bedrooms overlooked this palm-grove,
which was perfectly quiet. It was very pleasant to
watch the palm trees wave, and the numerous hawks
soar above them, settle upon them, and apparently
arrange for building their nests in their leafy crowns.
Broad white marble steps lead to a platform forming
the entrance to the hotel. This space forms a
favourite spot with visitors to rest and take coffee,
while they watch the bus)- and ever-changing scene
before them, or listen to the regimental bands.
Carriages drawn by small but beautifully formed
Arab horses are continually passing, and the loud
cry of the Syce, or running footman, is frequently
heard calling to the public to make way for the
carriage of some one or other distinguished indi-
vidual. The costume of the Syce is picturesque ;
the arms from the elbow, and the feet and legs to
the knee, are bare. He is clad in white, over which
he wears a richly embroidered sleeveless jacket of
scarlet and gold, light-blue and silver, or a similar
effective contrast of colour; a silk sash is wound
around the waist, and a fez cap with a long flowing
silk tassel usually completes the attire. He carries
a long staff in one hand, and runs with the greatest
ease before the carriage, calling out frequently to
announce the approach of his master. One cannot
but admire the athletic figures as they speed rapidly
and gracefully along and never show the least sign of
fatigue. Two Syces generally precede every royal
carriage. Those in attendance upon the young
Khedive ran immediately before the carriage in the
midst of the escort of troops.
" Behold / will send my messenger, and he shall
the back are large groves of orange trees and date-
palms. Our bedrooms overlooked this palm-grove,
which was perfectly quiet. It was very pleasant to
watch the palm trees wave, and the numerous hawks
soar above them, settle upon them, and apparently
arrange for building their nests in their leafy crowns.
Broad white marble steps lead to a platform forming
the entrance to the hotel. This space forms a
favourite spot with visitors to rest and take coffee,
while they watch the bus)- and ever-changing scene
before them, or listen to the regimental bands.
Carriages drawn by small but beautifully formed
Arab horses are continually passing, and the loud
cry of the Syce, or running footman, is frequently
heard calling to the public to make way for the
carriage of some one or other distinguished indi-
vidual. The costume of the Syce is picturesque ;
the arms from the elbow, and the feet and legs to
the knee, are bare. He is clad in white, over which
he wears a richly embroidered sleeveless jacket of
scarlet and gold, light-blue and silver, or a similar
effective contrast of colour; a silk sash is wound
around the waist, and a fez cap with a long flowing
silk tassel usually completes the attire. He carries
a long staff in one hand, and runs with the greatest
ease before the carriage, calling out frequently to
announce the approach of his master. One cannot
but admire the athletic figures as they speed rapidly
and gracefully along and never show the least sign of
fatigue. Two Syces generally precede every royal
carriage. Those in attendance upon the young
Khedive ran immediately before the carriage in the
midst of the escort of troops.
" Behold / will send my messenger, and he shall