214 
TEHERAN. 
planted. We were introduced into it by the two Ministers, through a 
door small and mean, like those in other parts of the palace, and which 
are obviously adapted for more easy defence in the event of any 
sudden alarm. In the centre of the garden is a Koola-frangee , built 
by Aga Mahomed Khan. The garden itself was arranged in 
squares, with some miserable palings. Peacocks and hens, great 
favourites in Persia, were every where walking about. After having 
paraded through the garden in various directions, (for this also is a part 
of the ceremonial) we finally approached the presence. We took 
off our slippers at some distance, and walking on the bare stones, 
stepped up a difficult staircase into a small and elegant room, in which 
his Majesty was seated. At the foot of the staircase was a row of 
eunuchs; and at the top several officers. At our entrance the King 
desired us to be seated, but we excused ourselves and stood. His 
Majesty's throne was that on which he had appeared at our first 
audience. The Envoy had complained to the Minister, that on that 
occasion we had no favourable opportunity of seeing the King; and 
his Majesty had probably been informed of the disappointment, and 
had condescended in consequence to gratify our curiosity by tran3- 
fering his throne to a more favourable position, and displaying himself 
upon it in all the magnificence of his state. He was dressed in a light 
coat of scarlet and gold cloth; on his shoulders were large layers of 
pearl and precious stones. On each of his arms were three rows of 
jewels called the bazebunds ; these are his finest jewels, one of which 
(the Dereea Nore) is one of the largest in the world. Though set in a 
clumsy manner, they had a rich and royal effect. Round his waist he 
wore a band about four inches broad of pearl, connected in the middle 
by a clasp, the centre of which was an emerald of an immense size. 
In this band he wore a brilliant dagger; from it also dangled a tassel of 
pearl, which he continually kept in his hand as a plaything. His 
kaleoon is a beautiful toy: it stood in the left corner of the throne, and 
was one blaze of precious stones. 
On the right of his throne stood four pages, one holding his crown, 
