182 
VISITOR FROM KERMANSHAH. 
hospitality I had not allowed him an opportunity of shewing 
within his own doors, or those of his prince, he determined to 
regale me with a feast nearer my own quarters ; and in the true 
Persian summer style, under the grateful shade of the um¬ 
brageous trees. During our discourse, his attendants had tied 
their horses to some clumps in the neighbourhood of our verdant 
dining-room. It was the green bank of the beautiful fountain 
of Shirene ; and the trees, which were its canopy, in several 
places dipped their branches in the stream. Close to its brink 
the servants had laid our carpets ; and every preparation was 
rapidly making to spread the abundant repast. I saw it, from 
a little distance, cooking in all the simplicity of the most pri¬ 
mitive times. A couple of fine sheep, from the neighbouring 
flock, had been sacrificed by the kanjars (dagger-knives) of two 
of the minister’s retinue ; and the crackling flames of several 
newly-lighted fires in the wood, blazed beneath the loaded 
vessels of rice, mutton, and fowls. In about a couple of hours 
we were told that all was ready; and repairing to the place of 
banquet, took our seats. A considerable number of the khan’s 
train being of condition to share his board, they sat down also ; 
and soon made deep havoc in the piles of pilau, and well-roasted 
kabbobs, which had been duly arranged on the outspread carpets. 
My good-humoured host had an Armenian or two in his suite, 
who, without irreligious impropriety, could provide for my per¬ 
sonal accommodation, either rackee or sharab, that is, brandy, 
or wine ; an attention more than ordinarily bestowed, at any 
Persian entertainment, to a Frangy on so short an acquaintance. 
Our little fete proved delightful in every respect; and the 
frank and kindly ways with which the animated old man did the 
honours, were not the least of its enjoyments. The scene was 
