noon precisely
The messenger , in return , was eloquent in describing the importance of his mistress , her devoted veneration for the Prince , the pleasure which she experienced on the prospect of their motakul , or meeting , and concluded with a more modest compliment to his own extraordinary talents , and the confidence which the Begum reposed in him . He then departed ; and orders were given that on the next day all should be in readiness for the _ Sowarree _ , a grand procession , when the Prince was to receive the Begum as his honoured guest at his pleasure-house in the gardens . Long before the appointed hour , the rendezvous of Fakirs , beggars , and idlers , before the gate of the palace , intimated the excited expectations of those who usually attend processions ; while a more urgent set of mendicants , the courtiers , were hastening thither , on horses or elephants , as their means afforded , always in a hurry to show their zeal , and with a speed proportioned to what they hoped or feared . At noon precisely , a discharge of cannon , placed in the outer courts , as also of match-locks and of small swivels , carried by camels , -LRB- the poor animals shaking their long ears at every discharge , -RRB- announced that Tippoo had mounted his elephant . The solemn and deep sound of the naggra , or state drum , borne upon an elephant , was then heard like the distant discharge of artillery , followed by a long roll of musketry , and was instantly answered by that of numerous trumpets and tom-toms , -LRB- or common drums , -RRB- making a discordant , but yet a martial din . The noise increased as the procession traversed the outer courts of the palace in succession , and at length issued from the gates , having at their head the Chobdars , bearing silver sticks and clubs , and shouting , at the pitch of their voices , the titles and the virtues of Tippoo , the great , the generous , the invincible -- strong as Rustan , just as Noushirvan -- with a short prayer for his continued health . After these came a confused body of men on foot , bearing spears , match-locks , and banners , and intermixed with horsemen , some in complete shirts of mail , with caps of steel under their turbans , some in a sort of defensive armour , consisting of rich silk dresses , rendered sabre proof by being stuffed with cotton .