THE PERSIAN EAGLE. 
323 
line, beyond these, were set a regular row of the finest china 
bowls, filled with sherbet. So far, the refreshments of the fete. 
The company were thus disposed:—in two parallel files, down 
the sides of the wide centre avenue, stood the khans and other 
Persians of rank; many of whom we had been constrained to 
elbow, in our way to the place of ceremony. They were arrayed 
in their most costly attire, of gold or silver brocades; and some 
of them wearing, in addition, the royal kaalat, which usually 
consists of a pelisse lined with fine furs, and covered with the rich¬ 
est embroidery. Their heads were bound with Keshmere shawls, 
of every colour and value. All these persons had been arranged in 
their places, by the master of the ceremonies ; or rather, accord¬ 
ing to his own consequence, we might style him grand-marshal 
of the palace ; for the duty he performed, was much in the way 
of our ancient heraldic officers at royal feasts ; and besides, he 
was of such high personal dignity in himself, as to be son-in-law 
to the king. He was preceded in the exercise of his office, by a 
man bearing before him an enamelled wand, surmounted by a 
bird of the same delicate construction. This now insignia of de¬ 
legated authority, may be some remains of the glorious eagle- 
standard, which Xenophon mentions as the early ensign of 
Persia. It consisted of a golden eagle, placed at the end of a 
long pike, and was used by the Persian monarchs in his time, 
both as a sceptre, and a military rallying point. How, then, do 
things change, since this badge of the proudest sovereignty, is 
lowered to the humble duty of a staff of office, in the hands of a 
deputy maitre des ceremonies . 
The royal procession made its appearance. First, the elder 
sons of the King entered, at the side on which we stood; Abbas 
Mirza taking the left of the whole, which brought him to the 
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