FIRE-WORKS. 
145 
scenery of meats and stews ; others again were seated so low that they 
were lost in the vallies, their mouths being brought to about the level of 
the table. When a Persian eats his dinner in his ordinary way, the 
dishes are placed on the ground before him, and crouching himself 
down, he brings his mouth so close to them as commodiously to transfer 
the victuals from the dish to his mouth : but here, his mouth being 
placed at a great distance from the good things, and his fingers being 
the only medium of communication between both, their commerce was 
but slow and uncertain. There was much amusement in observing how 
awkwardly they went to work, and how great was the indignation which 
broke out upon the faces of some of the most ravenous of them, who 
out of compliment to us, were deprived of their full range over such 
a scene of good cheer. 
The dinner being over, we were conducted through dark and intricate 
avenues to the Dewan khoneh, or public part of the house, the courts of 
which were illuminated by a multitude of small lamps attached to the 
walls, and by tallow candles suspended to wires. The blaze was im¬ 
mense, and the stench in proportion. After we had had time to look 
about us, the Ameen-ad-Dowlah politely asked the Ambassador if it was 
his wish that the fire-works which were placed on the surrounding walls, 
and in every part of the court, should commence ; and in consequence 
of the Ambassador’s reply, the sky was soon illumined by thousands of 
rockets, and by a great variety of artificial fires. 
During this exhibition, we happened to observe a woman with her 
face highly painted, and her head gaily dressed, who was looking through 
a window of one of the small upper rooms, which open into the great 
apartment in which we were seated, and who manifested, by the gaiety 
of her looks and the brilliancy of her eyes, that she was pleased with the 
attention which she had excited among us. However, she had not been 
there long before the window was hastily shut, and shortly after in her 
stead appeared some of the Ameen-ad-Dowlah’s sons. This fair person, 
whoever she was, made us recollect the history of Jezebel, hoxv she 
painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. 2 KingSj 
ix. 30. 
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