PREFACE. In these literary days, when there are nearly as many writers as readers, some apology might be deemed necessary for appearing in print; but, as Eastern subjects are generally deemed peculiarly interesting, and nothing having yet appeared of the land of "Iran" in the shape of the work now submitted to the reader, the author hopes he may be considered to have had sufficient grounds for venturing on the field of publication. It is with extreme diffidence he has glanced at the political and commercial relations between Great Britain and Persia, since, in their present anomalous state, they are so difficult to define: he believes, however, the information on the subject he has been enabled to obtain, will make that portion of his volumes worthy of attention. The travelling incidents in Koordistan are from letters penned at the time to the author's friends in England. This he trusts will not be without its recommendation; it being usually admitted that "one line written on the spot is worth a thousand recollections." Although the author makes no pretensions to any thing beyond slight sketches of Persia and its inhabitants, written during his various wanderings over that country, he is by no means indifferent to the public favour: indeed, his seeking it has, in Persian phraseology, caused "the nightingale of the pen to flutter around the rose-bud of expectation." He will only add, in words from the same source, "may its bounty increase, and its shadow never be less!" LONDON, 1ST APRIL, 1841. خارج ندرور Departure to witness the Ceremony-Interesting Appearances on arrival-The Shah Zadehs, or Princes-Interview with the Prince-The Kaimacan-Abbas Meerza-Court Ceremonies -The Poet Laureat-The Royal Band-The Camel Swivels -Ancient Custom of conferring Dresses of Honour-Persian The Courouk, or Royal Proclamation-Sudden Arrival of the 15 The Khoflan Khu-The Kizzil Ozzan-The Kafelah of Pil- . 23 Persian Executions - Barbarous Customs Ceremony of the Salaam-The Royal Band-The Mujlis, or Assembly-Persian Mobility-Futtee Ali Shah-The King's Beard-Persian Etiquette-The King's Gholaums-The Group of Princes- His Majesty's Return to the Nagaristan Palace—The King a respectable Poet-Hafiz-Copy of one of his Poems-Fer- doosee-Saadi-Epitaphs of Hafiz and Saadi-The King at Dinner-Persian Cookery – Government of the Harem- His Tehran Climate-Departure for Sulimania-Kasvine-Ill in a . 51 |