TEHERAN, 
187 
box for opium. The King’s letter (which was mounted in a highly 
ornamented blue morocco box, and covered with a case of white satin, 
and an elegant net) was also laid on a piece of white satin. The 
Envoy carried the letter, and I the presents. When we went forwards 
to place them in the takht-e-ravan (the litter), and again, when the 
procession advanced, the trumpet sounded “ God save the King.” 
The order of the procession was as follows: 
Officers of the King of Persia, 
Led horses belonging to the Envoy, 
Native officers of cavalry, swords drawn, 
The trumpeter, 
Four troopers. 
The takht-e-ravan. 
Guard of native cavalry, swords drawn, 
Persian officers of the Envoy’s household, in scarlet and gold, dismounted. 
The Envoy, 
The Secretary and Gentlemen of the Mission, 
Guard of native cavalry under Cornet Willock, with drawn swords, 
colours displayed. 
Servants, &c. 
The procession proceeded through miserable streets, which were 
crowded by the curious, until we came to the large Maidan, at the 
entrance of which were chained a lion and a bear. It then turned to 
the right, and, crossing over a bridge, entered into the Ark or fortified 
Palace of the King, the building which contains every part of the 
royal household. Here the Envoy, as a mark of respect to the King of 
Persia, ordered the guard to sheath swords. There were troops on 
both sides, and cannon in several parts, and when we reached the first 
court, two very thick lines of soldiers were ranged to form an avenue 
for us. They were disciplined and dressed something after our manner. 
b b % 
