BUSHIRE TO SHIRAZ 
97 . 
plain of Shiraz ), where we crossed it on a decayed bridge, and saw the 
first view of Shiraz at the end of the plain. This day was replete with 
attentions and honours to Sir Harford and his Mission; an istakbaU 9 
composed of fifty horsemen of our Mehmandar s tribe, met us about three 
miles from our encampment; they were succeeded, as we advanced, by an 
assemblage on foot, who threw a glass vessel filled with sweetmeats be¬ 
neath the Envoy's horse, a ceremony which we had before witnessed at 
Kauzeroon 9 and which we again understood to be an honour shared 
with the King and his sons alone. Then came two of the principal 
merchants of Shiraz , accompanied by a boy, the son of Mahomed 
Nebee Khan, the new Governor of Bushire. They, however, incurred 
the Envoy’s displeasure by not dismounting from their horses, a form 
always observed in Persia by those of lower rank, when they meet a 
superior. We were thus met by three istakhalls during the course of 
the day, and Mahomed Zeky Khan, our Mehmandar , amused us by 
the singing of a young boy, one of the first professional performers of 
Shiraz. A number of feats were performed by many of the horsemen 
who overspread the plain to a great extent; some throwing the girid, 
and then firing their pistols and muskets on full gallop, and others 
throwing the lance in the air, and catching it again. 
On our road the Mehmandar , who had just received the message from 
Shiraz , announced that one of the Prince’s own tents was pitched at 
Bagh Shah Cheragh for the Envoy, and that the Prince further begged 
his acceptance of it. The present, which was offered with so much 
attention and delicacy, was worthy of the hand which gave it. On our 
arrival we found it displayed in the full elegance of its construction. 
It enclosed a large square occupied by a set of walls, the exterior of 
which was a crimson field, with green embroidery; on their interior 
covering were worked cypress trees and fighting lions. The whole 
was supported by three lofty and elegantly painted poles. Rich carpets 
were spread on the ground, and the ceilings and hangings were of the 
finest Masulipatam chintz, with appropriate poetical mottoes painted 
o 
