354 
REVIEW OF PERSIAN TROOPS. 
ex-ambassador to England and to Russia, was to bring me to the 
presence; the vizier, whose duty it would have been, being at 
that time indisposed. In our way to the grand saloon of the 
palace, we passed through the great maidan, where the artillery 
was stationed. It was crowded with military, infantry, and 
cavalry; the latter being in readiness to march, individually, 
man and horse, before His Majesty. Their arming was curious, 
hardly two alike ; some, bearing muskets ; some, long spears ; 
others, shields, sabres, and pistols; their costumes varying with 
their weapons; some, in shirts of mail, with the high black cap 
of the country; others, in iron scull-caps, with the linen dresses 
in ordinary use. These, certainly, looked more like half-dressed 
actors, than soldiers regularly banded for the lists of a great 
sovereign. But there were others, in warlike garb from top to 
toe, being completely arrayed in chain-armour, with lofty hel¬ 
mets, gallantly plumed, and wrapped round the frontlet with 
shawls. 
A small elevated building, overlooking the south side of the 
maidan, contained the open chamber, whence the Shah was to 
review the assembled troops. A clangor of trumpets announced 
his entrance, when the cavaliers immediately set forth to gallop 
singly across the square, flourishing their arms, shaking their 
spears, and going through all the accustomed exercise of firing, 
charging, &c., at full speed. These desperate chargings were 
performed through an avenue of gazing grandees, and as many 
of the common populace as chose to be spectators of the sight. 
His Majesty was seated at a large open window ; and looking 
with marks of approbation on the dexterity of his troops. His 
dress was the same style in which I had ordinarily seen him, 
since his state-appearance at the feast of the Nowroose; and, 
