ERIVAN. 
201 
* 
* 
well-known. During the different wars, of late, between Persia 
and Russia, he has repeatedly manifested his powers as an able 
general; and, indeed, it is partly owing to his conduct, that the 
Great King’s territories were not bounded, by his northern 
adversary, too far within the line of the Araxes. While reflect¬ 
ing on the character of the man that was before me, so varied 
in its features, and powerful in all, I sometimes turned my eyes, 
from our rather awkward silent gaze at each other, towards the 
window, and found fresh subjects for meditation in the objects it 
presented. Beneath, was the dreadful ditch of punishment, the 
Tarpeian rock of Erivan ! beyond, the luxuriant gardens of the 
Sardar, with their summer-house; and, over them, towered the 
magnificent heights, which might either over-awe, or protect his 
government. 
When the interpreter arrived, I found the medium language 
was to be Russian, as the linguist could speak only that 
and his own. And, through this channel, I soon made known 
to the Sardar, the object of my visit; and received from him 
every gratifying assurance in his power. He promised to send 
me a mehmandar immediately, and to give orders for all faci¬ 
lities in my journey. This business being adjusted, we entered 
into general conversation ; which was borne, on his part, with 
considerable vivacity and acuteness. Military subjects appeared 
¥ 
to have the greatest interest with him; and when I spoke of the 
fine troops of the Emperor Alexander, his face kindled, and he 
observed, they were not superior to the newly organised Persian 
troops at Azerbijan. The kalioun, or pipe for smoking, had 
been presented at my entrance; after which, tea, in small cups, 
was served ; then a second kalioun ; and that paid due honour 
to, I took my leave. 
VOL.I. 
D D 
