SHIRAZ. 
101 
the occasion the plenty and prosperity of the country. The bazar 
itself is the most splendid monument of the taste and magnificence of 
Kerim Khan, who administered the affairs of Persia with sovereign 
authority, under the name of Vakeel or Regent, and died in 1779. 
The centre is marked above by a rotunda, and beneath by an enclosed 
platform; in the middle of which was seated the Cutwal or Minister of 
Police. The trumpet of the troop, which was sounded all through the 
streets, continued with finer effect under the covered roofs of the bazar . 
As the Envoy passed, every one stood up; all knew at least the blows 
which followed any dilatoriness. 
After a long procession we arrived at the house appropriated for our 
reception. It was neatly built of a pale yellow brick, and was very 
spacious, though considerably out of repair, and indeed in some parts 
falling into absolute ruin. We were ushered into an apartment, where 
a large service of sweetmeats and fruits was prepared for us. Here we 
sat, until we had dispatched the usual forms of a visit with the 
grandees who had met us, and had accompanied us thus far. The re¬ 
maining part of the day was occupied in receiving other less noble visi¬ 
tants, and in accepting the countless presents which were sent from 
various parts, and which consisted for the most part of live lambs, 
fruits and sweetmeats. The store of sweetmeats at last became so 
great, that they were distributed amongst our numerous servants, 
troopers, and feroshes. Among those, who succeeded the original party 
of our guests, was an officer dispatched by the Minister Nasr Oallah 
Khan with the intimation, that he deferred till the next day the 
pleasure of visiting the Envoy, in the fear that at present he might be 
fatigued with his journey. But our more brilliant visitors were Yusuf 
Beg, a Georgian youth of pleasing manners, a favourite in the suite of 
the Prince; and Abdullah Khan, who was nominated to officiate as 
our Mehmandar , till we should meet on the road an officer appointed 
by the King from his capital to assume the functions in the further 
progress of the Mission. 
