THE GUEBRE PRIEST. 
231 
It was an octagonal building of considerable size,, rising 
into a regular and graceful dome. The architectu- 
ral ornaments, though few, were in good preserva- 
tion, Placed upon an elevation, it commanded the 
surrounding plain, and afforded at the same time a 
beautiful view of the modern city. There was a small 
entrance, under a richly embellished pediment on the 
river side of the tomb. The door had been broken 
down, and the walls were a good deal defaced. 
Upon reaching this spot the Parsee entered, in order 
to ascertain whether it might be converted into a 
practicable dwelling, his daughter meanwhile remain- 
ing outside with the. bullocks. The passage was of 
some length, and a good deal encumbered with rub- 
bish. He proceeded, nevertheless, without much dif- 
ficulty until his progress was arrested by an unex- 
pected impediment. Having reached the end of the 
entrance passage, terminated by two alleys, branch- 
ing off circularly to the right and left, he was about 
to enter the one at the right, when he found his neck 
and chest encircled by something which gradually 
increased its tension, until he felt the pangs of suf- 
focation. His arms were kept down to his sides, so 
that he could not move them ; and this was accom- 
panied with such a frightful constriction, that he be- 
gan to imagine the unquiet spirit of some great crimi- 
nal had assaulted him for invading the solemn deposi- 
tory of the dead. He heard no sound — this, no doubt, 
his own loud gaspings might have prevented ; and at 
length such was his agony, that, uttering a loud cry 
of distress, and at the same time exerting all his 
strength, he pressed forward, and reaching a door- 
