VISITOR FROM KERMANSHAH. 
179 
cate’s redoubled eloquence. He had modes for facilitating, rather 
than impeding my pursuits, if I would but be prevailed on to 
accept the accommodations and comforts of Kermanshah, and 
return with him to the palace of the prince. In the course of 
his arguments, he urged the necessity of my not postponing, at 
least a visit of a morning to his master, since his royal highness 
must in a few days leave his capital on a hunting excursion into 
the mountains of Haroun-abad, a couple of days’ march from 
hence. This was an intimation that seemed fortunate for the 
easy escape of myself and my due civility; leading me to hope 
that I might defer paying my respects, to the probable time of 
his return, should I then be in the country, which I had it in my 
power not to be ; and, in the meanwhile, I should avoid the 
necessity of either immediately taking my departure, or be com¬ 
pelled to do, what, under my circumstances, I should have felt 
a great impropriety. After this vague kind of conclusion to the 
conversation, we parted I thought mutually pleased ; he appear¬ 
ing to suppose from the nature of the thing, notwithstanding 
what I had said to the contrary, that I could not fail shewing 
myself in the royal presence; and I, finding him so smiling and 
satisfied, concluded the business was fairly got rid of, and that I 
should see him no more. But next morning, while I was closely 
engaged in my interesting employment, the same indefatigable 
orator approached the rock of Tackt-i-Bostan, attended by a 
more than ordinary retinue of horsemen. I no sooner perceived 
them, than I began to apprehend, that such a cavalcade was dis¬ 
patched to use some gentle violence, in compelling my accept¬ 
ance of the proffered hospitality! My new acquaintance rode 
forward to the entrance of the arch ; and, after the usual salu¬ 
tations, took his seat near me. Of course, whatever was his 
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