"دليل بلاد فارس، المجلد I ويشمل محافظات أستراباد، شاهرود-بوستان، خراسان، وسيستان" [و‎‎٢‎١‎٣] (٧٢٢/٤٣٢)

■edged sword of AH, has been the most common; but, notwithstanding
the attachment of the Persians to this sacred banner, the sovereigns
of that kingdom have for many centuries preserved, as the peculiar arms
of their country, the sign or figure of Sol in the constellation Leo; and
this device, which exhibits a lion couchant and the sun rising at his back,
has not only been sculptured upon their palaces and embroidered upon their
banners, but has been converted into an order, which, in the form
of gold and silver medals, has been given to those who have distinguished
themselves against the enemies of their country.
“ The nature of absolute power requires that it should be supported by a
continual revival of the impression of its high and almost sacred character.
Many of the usages of Persia are calculated to produce this object. Every
thing connected with the royal name or authority is treated with a respect
that is increased by the form which attends it. If the king sends an
honorary dress, the person for whom it is intended must proceed several
miles to meet it, and clothe himself in his robes of favour with every mark
of gratitude and submission. If a firman, or mandate, is written by the
monarch to one of the officers of government, it also is met at a distance
by the person to whom it is addressed, w r ho, after raising it to his head,
gives it to his secretary to read, and all stand in respectful silence till the
perusal is finished. If a minister has occasion to mention the king, it is
not unusual, after inserting all his titles, to leave a blank, and to write the
royal name at the top of the letter, lest it should be degraded by having
even a word above it.
Diplomatic forms .—The forms observed in the intercourse of a foreign
minister at the court of Persia with the viceroys of provinces and
governors of cities before he reaches the capital are deemed most
important. The manner of meeting him before he enters a town, and
the mode of his reception at the di&erent houses that he visits, are
subjects of the most serious discussion and minute arrangement. The
rank and number of persons sent to welcome him, the distance they
go, and the period at which they dismount, are all of importance, as
they mark the exact degree of respect and consideration m which he
is held. And at his first interviews with princes of the blood, or nobles of
high rank, the inclination of the head, the rising from the seat, the
advancing to the edge of the carpet, to the door, .or even beyond it, ‘•*.nd the
place where he is to be seated, are considered as forms, of the utmost
consequence, and are, therefore, always settieu by previous agreement.
Ceremonies of this kind have everywhere some importance ; but tliev aie
most attended to by nations, who, like Persia, have no correct knowledge
of the character and condition of distant countries, and whose impressions
are chiefly formed from the appearance and conduct of those by whom they
are represented. If an ambassador assumes great state, the nation he
represents is considered to be wealthy and powerful; if he exacts attention
and resents the slightest neglect, his monarch is . believed to be lofty and
independent, and worthy of that friendship which he disdains to court by
any sacrifice of dignity or of honour;—while a contrary proceeding on the
part of a public representative is certain to lead to opposite conclusions.
It is not unusual to hear a Persian nobleman or minister pass an eulogium
on the extraordinary knowledge, firmness, and spirit of an ambassador of
his own country, or of a foreign state ; and when you expect to be told of
some remarkable negotiation or treaty that he concluded, you are infoimed