KHAUN OF POOL-I-ZOHAUB. 
209 
Miami of Pool-i-Zohaub; khaun being the term for a caravan¬ 
sary, in the Turkish dominions ; the name of this one is derived 
from that of the bridge, and the river flowing near its walls. 
There is a town also called Zohaub, about two farsangs to the 
northward, and near to it, is the source of this serpentine water; 
which, after washing the base of western Zagros, takes the name 
of Ehvan, and of all other vales through which it winds its 
wandering way, till it is entirely swallowed up in the ampler 
channel of the Biala. We had travelled this day about five far¬ 
sangs ; and in the course of the time fell in again with a Palmer- 
host, still more numerous than those with whom we had parted 
in the vale of Kermanshah. 
After having entered the khaun of the Pool-i-Zohaub, my first 
lodging beyond the territories of the great king, and took my 
station under the vaulted roof of the spacious recess appointed 
for my quarters, I seated myself on my carpet close to the open 
side of my apartments, to enjoy the air, and the busy amusing 
scene before me. The cell-like ranges of the arcades which 
lined the building, and the square in the.centre, were filled with 
multitudes of persons of every Asiatic hue, dress, and calling ; 
Turks, Persians, Arabs, Gourds, and Indians, being the com¬ 
ponent parts of this pilgrim army; and the variety of their 
costume, manners, and occupations, produced groups the most 
singular, and often grotesque, imagination can conceive. Some 
were cooking, others praying; some feeding their lean cattle, 
others their hungry selves; here, sat a group furbishing their 
fire-arms; there, clusters of people smoking, drinking coffee, or 
sleeping. In one place stood mules and horses, mingled with 
men and baggage ; in another lay coffins, women, and children. 
But, if we may judge from appearances, my old acquaintances, 
VOL. II. 
E E 
