108 
SHIRAZ. 
war arranged in dinstinct niches. Among them (besides spears, mus¬ 
kets, &c. and the small ensigns of their service) were the brass guns, 
called zomboorek , which are mounted on the backs of camels. Along 
the range stood soldiers in uniforms of scarlet cloth, an awkward imita¬ 
tion of the Russian military dress. 
About thirty paces from the principal gate Sir Harford dis¬ 
mounted, and followed by us all, whilst the trumpet of the troop 
sounded the salute, advanced through the portico. Here the Ish Agassi, 
or Master of the Ceremonies, Bair am Ali Khan Cadjar, who had 
been seated in a small place opposite the entrance, rose at our approach 
to meet us. He then called for his staff of office, (a black cane with a 
carved pummel) and placing himself at the head of the party, led us 
through rather a mean passage into a spacious court, at the extremity 
of which appeared the Prince. He was seated in a kind of open room, 
the front of which was supported by two pillars elegantly gilded 
and painted. This is called the Dewan Khoneh, or Chamber of 
Audience. 
In the centre of the court is an avenue of lofty trees, at the sides of 
which are two long canals: these numerous fountains throw up a 
variety of little spouts of water, to the jingle of the wheels and bells of 
their machinery. On all sides of the court were placed in close files a 
number of well dressed men armed with muskets, pistols, and swords; 
these were the subalterns and the better sort of the soldiery in the 
Prince's guard. Amongst them were here and there intermixed 
officers of high rank. In the centre of the avenue, and on the borders 
of the canal stood in long rows, respectfully silent and in postures 
of, humility, all the chief Officers, Khans, Governors of towns and 
districts. 
When we entered the court, the Ish Agassi stopt and made a very 
low obeisance towards the Prince; and Sir Harford and his Mission 
made an English bow, and just took off their hats. These salutations, 
which were made four times in as many different places of the court, 
were repeated as we entered the Dewan Khoneh. The Prince in all this 
