'Narrative of a Residence in Koordistan, and on the Site of Ancient Nineveh; with Journal of a Voyage down the Tigris to Bagdad and an Account of a Visit to Shirauz and Persepolis.' [‎231] (266/450)

LET. III.] MARRIAGE CEREMONY.
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where we saw them. Some of the hills were also
lighted up with lines of bonfires, which greatly
heightened the scene, and the zembureks kept up a
continual discharge. The Persians are extremely
fond of the zemburek, d toute sauce. The whole
sight was uncommonly fine. Dancing and singing
succeeded, with the usual terrible noisy band, scarcely
less offensive than the zembureks. The Persians
delight in perpetual stir, bustle, and noise.
Minas has just been with me. He w r as at the
exhibition in the meidan yesterday at noon. It con
sisted principally of a dance, performed by all the
most disreputable women of the town, who ivere
drunk. The Shahzadeh, who was looking at them,
was drunk also, as were two or three favourites who
were standing about him. In short, it was a most
disgusting scene.
September 17.—Last night *there were more fire
works, dancing and singing as usual; but the prin
cipal feasting was among the women. The bride
is said to be twenty, and by no means handsome.
The bridegroom is only twelve.
October 2.—You will doubtless start at the long
interruption" this letter has suffered. 1 on will, I
fear, start more when you shall learn the cause;
but my honesty will, I hope, restore you to con
fidence. Without any other alarming preamble,
therefore, know at once, that the cholera has been
here, and that it has gone clear away, El Humd-u-