THE THRONE. 
327 
suited to the benignant nature of the meeting, than such a 
trophy. That was gorgeous with Indian magnificence, and, 
might we not say, red with the blood of its defeated princes! 
This was a platform of pure white marble, an apt emblem of 
peace, raised a few steps from the ground, and carpeted with 
shawls and cloth of gold, on which the King sat in the fashion 
of his country, while his back was supported by a large cushion, 
encased in a net-work of pearls. The spacious apartment in 
which this simple seat of majesty was erected, is open from 
the roof of the building nearly to the earth, on the side op¬ 
posite to the assembled people; and supported, in front, by 
two twisted columns of white marble, fluted with gold. The 
interior of the saloon was profusely decorated with carving, gild¬ 
ing, arabesque painting, and looking-glass ; which latter material 
was, in a manner, interwoven with all the other wreathing orna¬ 
ments, gleaming and glittering in every part from the vaulted 
ceiling to the floor. Vases of waxen flowers, others with rose¬ 
water, &c. were arranged about the apartment; though they 
could scarcely be seen, from the close ranks of the very young 
princes, who crowded near their royal parent. 
While the Great King was approaching his throne, the whole 
assembly, with one accord, continued bowing their heads to the 
ground till he had taken his place. A dead silence then ensued ; 
the whole presenting a most magnificent, and indeed awful ap¬ 
pearance ; the stillness being so profound, amongst so vast a 
concourse, that the slightest rustling of the trees was heard, and 
the softest trickling of the water from the fountains into the canals. 
As the motionless state of every thing lasted for more than a 
minute, it allowed me time to observe particularly the figure of the 
Shah. His face seemed exceedingly pale, of a polished marble 
hue; with the finest contour of features; and eyes dark, bril- 
