TABRIZ. 
279 
tion. For the same reason the bazars have only wooden roofs, and 
are not arched as those in the better cities of Persia. Yet I am told 
that in earthquakes, the domed buildings (particularly the Humrnum 
Khan , the largest in Tabriz) have invariably stood ; where others, the 
strongest walls, have been rent asunder. 
Tabriz had declined to an insignificant place, when about four years 
ago the present Prince, Abbas Mirza , the Heir Apparent of the 
crown, was appointed to the government of Aderbigian , and made it 
his capital. When we visited his city, he had resided there four 
years, and had guarded the frontiers of Persia against the Russians. 
During that time he had repaired and beautified the walls, had made 
a new Maidan , and erected some new buildings. Indeed, before, 
there was no place fit for his habitation; and all the great men attached 
to his court have since been obliged to build houses for their own 
accommodation. 
The Prince is said by the Persians to possess every quality, that 
can grace a mortal; and (as there are many circumstances in his 
character, which his countrymen would never think of inventing) I am 
inclined to believe them. They were related to me by the Hakim or 
Governor of the city, at whose house I lodged during my residence at 
Tabriz. Some time ago, three of the Prince's children died; his 
Vizir appeared before him with a mournful face ; the Prince observed 
him, and inquired the reason: the Vizir hesitated, “ Speak," said the 
Prince, “ is there any public disaster? have the Russians been suc¬ 
cessful? have they taken any more country from us?" “ No," 
answered the Minister, “ it is not that; your children are sick 
“ What of that?" asked the Prince; “ But very sick indeed," con¬ 
tinued the Vizir : “ Perhaps then they are dead," interrupted the 
Father. His Minister confessed the truth, “ Dead !” said the Prince, 
“ why should I grieve ? the state has lost nothing by them; had I lost 
w three of my good servants, had three useful officers died, then indeed 
<s I should have grieved; but my children were babes, and God knows 
