96 
BUSHIRE TO SHIRAZ. 
64 bisgar khosh amedeed ” (you are welcome, you are very welcome), 
were repeated again and again. This is the phrase after the 44 selam 
44 alek” which is always used in Persia, and which answers to the 
44 khosh gueldin” of the Turks. The Turks never use the 44 selam alek” 
to a Christian, or to one who is not of the faith; but the Persians are 
less scrupulous. Kerim Khan conveyed many flattering compli¬ 
ments from the King to the Envoy, and added a great number on his 
own part. Sir Harford called for Peer Murad Beg, his chief 
Moonshee, to read the firman. He arrived barefooted, and stood re¬ 
spectfully at the end of the tent; when the firman was put into his 
hands all the company stood up, and the Europeans took off their 
hats: Peer Murad Beg read the firman aloud, with a marked 
and song-like emphasis. He then delivered it to Sir Harford, 
and we all seated ourselves again. After this, the usual routine 
of smoking and coffee was performed, during which the different 
gentlemen in the room were presented to Kerim Khan; our Meh- 
mandar officiated in this instance, and described all our different 
qualities and qualifications with a great deal of humour. Kerim 
Kiian then departed to lodge with the Mehmandar, who, on this 
occasion, displayed considerable attention, though, in his general 
manners, he had appeared a rough blunt soldier: knowing that the 
Envoy (to whom in etiquette the duty devolved) was unprovided for 
the reception of such a guest, he requested permission himself to en¬ 
tertain the stranger. 
29th. We departed from Khon6 Zenioun this morning at half past 
seven; and at a quarter past eleven arrived at the Bagh Shah Cheragh , 
a distance of twenty miles. We travelled mostly over a country of 
ascents and descents, and on a better road than those of the pre¬ 
ceding days. The same river, by the banks of which we had been 
encamped, accompanied us in various directions, and, winding towards 
the east, met us at a station of Bahdarsfi (as we were entering the 
* Niebuhr calls it Tchinar Raddar; he encamped there. Tom. II. p. 91. 
