THE NOWROOSE. 
321 
bazar, which terminated at the outer gate of the ark. After 
passing over an open space, we crossed the bridge of the citadel, 
and thence were conducted into a very large square. A dome¬ 
shaped building of wood open to the eye, appeared in the middle 
of the place; and under its roof stood the enormous brass 
cannon, which Chardin mentions having seen in the Maidan-shah, 
at Ispahan. It was brought from that capital several years ago, 
and stationed here, on a huge, and apparently immoveable 
carriage. Old guns, of various calibre, all equally awkward and 
unmanageable, and mingled with a few of modern fabrick, stand 
round the sides of this central structure. Not far distant, about 
two hundred swivels lay in rows on the ground. They belonged to 
the camel corps, who were on duty to salute the king on his 
entrance into the great assembly of his people. And, indeed, 
it might well have that title ; for persons of all ranks were 
thronged together, within the walls of this outer court. Persians 
of the lowest orders, some decently attired, others in the rags of 
mendicity; khans in kaalats (the robe of honour) covered with 
gold and brocade ; servants in gorgeous coats; and soldiers in 
their military garbs; all pressed on each other in one equalizing- 
mob. It was not practicable to get our horses through such a 
mass of human beings ; so we dismounted at the entrance 
of the square, and following the necessity of shouldering our 
way to the opposite egress, tried by that wedge-like motion, to 
make a passage to the royal portal. Awe of the chief heads-man, 
did not widen the path an inch; neither did the hard-plied 
sticks of the Charge d’Affaires’ domestics in front, effect the 
slightest breach; they might as well have battered a wall. 
However we got through at last, with no small impression made 
upon our court-apparel, and the shawls of our waists rent into 
VOL. i. 
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