‘GAZETTEER OF PERSIA VOL. I Comprising the Provinces of ASTARÁBÁD, SHÁHRUD-BÚSTAN, KHÚRÁSÁN, AND SÍSTÁN’ [‎210v] (427/722)

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of grammar, syntax, logic, syllogisms, sacred law, and philosophy but
Ins progress in those higher branches of a Persian education depends chiefly
upon his own disposition. He seldom learns more than to write and read
with ease and fluency; unless inclined to study, which is not unfrequently
the case; for superior attainments as a scholar always add to his reputation
The greatest care is invariably taken to instruct Persian princes in all their
bodily exercises. They are trained while yet children to the use of arms
and ride when six or seven years of age with grace and boldness. They
are often betrothed when very young; and sometimes married long before
they attain _ the age of puberty. After that period the number of their
wives and females depends upon the means which they have of supportino-
them. When a prince is raised to the throne, his time is divided between
his public duties, the pleasure of the harem, and his amusements. The
time he bestows on each of these is regulated by his peculiar inclinations
his age, and his habits. No general description, therefore, can exactly
explain usages, which are liable to continual changes; but a short sketch
of the manner in which the reigning monarch passes his time will convey
a full idea of those habits which are deemed suited to his elevated con
dition.
“ An attention to religious duties—which no king of Persia can openly neg
lect—requires him to rise early. As he sleeps in the interior apartments,
to which no male approaches, his attendants are either females or eunuchs!
After he is dressed with their aid, he sits from one to two hours in the hall
of the harem, where his levees are conducted with the same ceremony as
in his outer apartments. Female officers arrange the crowd of his wives
and slaves with the strictest attention to the order of precedency After
hearing the reports of those entrusted with the internal government of the
harem, and consulting with his principal wives, who are generally seated, the
monarch leaves the interior apartments. He is met the moment he comes
out by officers in waiting, and proceeds to one of his private halls, where
he is immediately joined by some of his principal favourites, with whom
he enters into familiar conversation; and all the young princes of the blood
attend this morning levee to pay their respects. After this is over, his
majesty calls for breakfast. The preparation of all the royal meals is
superintended by the chief steward of the household. T he viands are put
into dishes of fine china with silver covers, and placed in a close tray,
which_ is locked and sealed by the steward. This tray, after being covered
by a rich shawl, is carried to the king, in whose presence the steward breaks
his own seal and places the different dishes before him. Some of the
infant princes are generally present, and are indulged with a participation
in this repast. The chief physician is invariably in attendance at every
meal His presence is deemed necessary, the Persian courtiers observe,
that he may prescribe an instant remedy, if anything he eats should
disagree with the monarch; but this precaution, no doubt, originates in
that suspicion, which continually haunts the minds of those who exercise
despotic power.
When the king has performed his ordinary public duties, he usually
retires to the harem, where sometimes he indulges in a short repose. His
majesty always makes his appearance in the outer apartments some time
beioie sunset; and either again attends to public business, or takes a ride on
horseback. His dinner is brought between eight or nine; and the same
precautions and ceremonies are used as at breakfast. He eats, like his