63 8 
CHEHEL MINAR; ITS 
columns have been attached to the support of some covering, 
either in one, or three divisions of roof; a question that might 
have been decided, had the capitals of any of the interior shafts 
been still remaining. But there is one peculiarity attached to 
the middle range of twelve, pointing north and south, that gives 
support to a very interesting idea. All their pedestals rise 
some feet higher than any of those by which they are surrounded ; 
the stone-work being rough and unfinished, and projecting in 
strong unshaped blocks, as if to sustain an additionally elevated 
pavement. To an eye which had so lately witnessed a vernal 
procession to the foot of a Persian throne, the present scene 
seemed well adapted for a similar celebration; and as the re¬ 
presentation of the tributary procession along the face of the 
terrace, turned the faces of all the groups to the entrance which 
fronted this central line of columns, it appeared to mark their 
approach thither, to some adequate object, which could only be 
the king. Hence, we may consider this terrace as the distin¬ 
guished place for the grand ceremonies of the court; and, as 
the sovereign is now, and by every account always has been 
seated above the level of his courtiers; on this very marble 
pavement, or flooring of some “ costly wood,” which I have 
supposed formerly covered these rugged pedestals, probably 
stood the throne ; which held the good and the great, or the 
proud and the mighty monarchs of Persia for many generations ; 
who, seated here, surrounded by their nobles, ministers, and guards, 
with ease beheld the epitome of their vast empire, laying the 
offerings of provinces and kingdoms at their feet. It is curious 
to turn again to the Book of Kings, to still farther compare this 
particular spot on the “ throne of Jemsheed,” with what is said 
