'Travels in Assyria, Media, and Persia, including a journey from Bagdad by Mount Zagros, to Hamadan, the ancient Ecbatana, researches in Ispahan and the ruins of Persepolis, and journey from thence by Shiraz and Shapoor to the sea-shore. Description of Bussorah, Bushire, Bahrein, Ormuz, and Muscat, narrative of an expedition against the pirates of the Persian Gulf, with illustrations of the voyage of Nearchus, and passage by the Arabian Sea to Bombay.' [‎255] (286/582)

SHAH ABBAS,—GOMBEZ LALA.
255
occupied by robbers. There were now stationed here, by Shuker
Ullah Khan, the Persian chief, who rode with us as my new friend
and guide, several musketeers to guard this pass; though they were
sometimes suspected of acting the part of those they were sent
here to check. On the right of the road was an old castle; and
between these two buildings in the valley, a spring of water and
grass. When we alighted here, I was again seated on the same
carpet beside the Khan, and served with his caleoons. During our
conversation, I learned from him the following account of a small
domed tomb opposite to us, once covered- with painted tiles, like
those at Ispahan, but now in ruins. 4 Shah Abbas,' he said, 4 being
at Shiraz, wished to go from thence to Ispahan in one night, in
order to effect some great purpose, and surpass even the wind in
speed. The best horse of his kingdom was prepared for him,
when one of his slaves expressed a wish to accompany him. The
monarch looked on the slave with contempt, thinking no man
among all his subjects was equal to the task he had undertaken.
The slave, however, insisted on trying, determining either to suc
ceed, or die in the attempt; and the monarch, at last, pleased
with such persevering ambition, promised him one of his daugh
ters in marriage, on the night after their arrival. They set out,
and flew over hill and dale, reaching this spot about midnight,
without exchanging a single word. The monarch dropping his
whip, called to his follower to alight and take it up from the
ground. The faithful slave did so ; but in the act fell on the
earth, and expired on the spot, from excessive exertion. He was
accordingly buried here, and this tomb was erected to his memory:
from which moment the place has been called Gombez Lala, or
the Tomb of the Slave.'
We soon re-mounted, and proceeding from hence pursued a
similar course. I continued to ride by the Khan's side, and to be
engaged in constant conversation with him ; his soldiers riding in
a body behind us. The character of the country now appeared