PALACE OF FORTY PILLARS. 
605 
each thigh ; and where the knots of the belt are tied, is stuck a 
dagger, the handle of which exactly resembles that worn by the 
Persian of the present day. What is discoverable of the upper 
part of the sheath, shews a very singular form, not unlike that 
of the Malay Creesse. These figures in the flowing robes, 
always have earings, and collars, and some, the addition of 
bracelets. On their heads they wear the high fluted tiara, 
covering a bushy fulness of hair, profusely curled upon the neck, 
and combed up from the forehead, with a termination of curls 
there also. The beard partakes of the same taste, and is not 
long, but ending rather square. The feet are enveloped in the 
sandal buskin. And in this range, we find the figures so habited 
always holding the hand of the person immediately before them, 
or the one as immediately behind ; a circumstance which would 
imply their belonging to the establishment of the king; and so 
leading forward persons, comparatively strangers, to the presence. 
With the exception of one or two, they all hold in their right 
hands a flower, resembling the lotos ; and several of them have 
a cased bow hanging on the left hip. 
The other alternate figure is attired in a short tunic, reaching 
to the knees, with long tight sleeves ; indeed, the whole of the 
dress seems so close, that not a fold appears. His lower ex¬ 
tremities are covered by trowsers, meeting at the ankles a high 
shoe, at the top of which they seem to be tied ; and yet there is 
something in their form and smoothness that gives one the idea 
of jack-boots. On his head is a round-topped cap, projecting at 
the top a little over the brow. This style of coiffure differs 
entirely from the fluted cap or tiara, and resembles what we 
call the Phrygian bonnet. I should be led to suppose, from 
its simplicity, and the corresponding plainness of the habit 
