'The travels of Sir John Chardin into Persia and the East Indies, through the Black Sea, and the country of Colchis. Containing the author's voyage from Paris to Ispahan. To which is added, the coronation of the present King of Persia, Solyman the III.' [‎215] (248/594)

through the Black -Sea, and Colchis.
215
Of
inight conveniently do, as being glad of an Opportunity to
acknowledge the fignal Kindneffes they had done me.
It was almoll Noon when we went to the accom
pany'd by the Superiour and Father Raphael, who attended to
be afiiftant to us, The Trince was in a Room of State, a Hun-
dcrd and T en Foot long, and above Forty broad, built upon
the fide of the River, and all open on that fide. The Ceel-
ing, which was all of Mofaic Work, was plac'd upon a great
Number of Pillars, Painted and Gilt between 55 and 40 Foot
high. The whole Room was fpread with very fair CarpetSi
The Trince and principal Nobility were fitting near three little
Chimneys, which with leveral Brafiers warm'd the Room to
that degree, that the Cold was not felt. when
people approach'd near him, caus'd himfelf to be Reverenc'd
the firft time, like the King of Himfelf. They fell
upon their Knees Two or Three Paces diftant from his Per^
fon, and bow their Heads to the Ground, Three Times one
after another. Which manner of Saluting the Eaftern Prin
ces, the Europeans have always fcrupl'd to obferve. And in
deed it being impoffible that a Man fliould proftrate him
felf in a more humble pofture, fuch a Proftration lliould on
ly be us'd before GOD himfelf] So that fometimes they
cxcufe thcmfelves from ufing this manner of Salutation, by
faying they are of another World, and underftand not the
Complements of the Country. For my part I made my
Obeyfance with three Bows, without Kneeling. Afterward
two Gentlemen led me to take my place : but I Would not
fit above the Capuchins, though the Gentlemen prefs'd me fo to
do, and the Steward of the Houfliold who flood upon his Feet
in the middle of the Room. For I Was willing to do 'em that
Honour, that they might have Honour done 'em by others.
Which the Superiour was fo glad to feej that he would needs
have me take place of his Companion.
While I Was paying my Obeyfance, a Gentleman who had
receivd from me at the Hall Door the King of Letters
Patents which I held in my Hand, and the Prefent which
I had brought for the Prince, and lay'd 'em in order in a large
Silver Voider, let down the Voider at the Prince's Feet. Pre*
fently he took the Patent, open'd it, and rifing up from his
Seat put it to his Lips, and lay'd it upon his Forehead, then
gave it to his Chief Minifter to tell him the Contents. After*
wards he view'd the Prefent with a great deal of Curiofity
and
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