BUSHIRE TO SHIRAZ. 
95 
up; we set off at half past eight, and arrived at our resting place at a 
quarter to twelve, a distance which we call ten miles. We continued 
all the road in the same region as the plain of Desht-e-arjun , nor do I 
think that any very considerable descent had brought us much below 
the summit of the Peera Zun. The people of the country reckon 
Klione Zenioun colder than Desht-e-arjun , and indeed than any other 
habitable place on their side of Persia. These spots are certainly much 
more elevated than any other part in the line of our route. At Rhone 
Zenioun there is only a Caravanserai; near it a small stream runs to 
the Eastward; we came to its banks at half past ten o'clock, but did 
not cross it till close under the walls of the Caravanserai. 
Whilst sitting quietly in our tents, we were hurried by the informa¬ 
tion that Kerim Khan, the bearer of the King's letter, was within a 
mile of our encampment. As it was necessary to receive it with 
every honour, we exchanged our travelling clothes for uniforms and 
swords, which the Persians have learnt to esteem as the dress of cere¬ 
mony among Europeans. We proceeded in all haste to the Shiraz 
road, with the body guard in their best clothes, with flying co¬ 
lours and trumpets sounding; and had advanced scarcely a quarter 
of a mile, when we perceived the Khan and his party descending 
a neighbouring hill. The Envoy, the Mehmandar , and all the gentle¬ 
men of the suite dismounted from their horses, and walked in form 
towards Kerim Khan, who, in the same manner, advanced towards us 
with an attendant behind him, bearing the King's firman. When the 
greetings of welcome were interchanged, the Rhan took the King’s 
letter from under a handkerchief, with which it was covered, and delb 
vered it into the Envoy's hands, saying aloud, “ This is the King's 
“firman” Sir Harford received it with both his hands, and having car- 
ried it respectfully to his head, placed it in his breast. We then, mounted 
our horses, and returned to the Envoy's tent, where all parties were 
seated according to their respective ranks. A long exchange of com¬ 
pliments then took place between the principals, “ khosh amedeed” and, 
