'A Journey through Persia, Armenia, and Asia Minor, to Constantinople, in the years 1808 and 1809, in which is included some account of the proceedings of his Majesty's Mission, under Sir Harford Jones, Bart., to the Court of the King of Persia. With twenty-five engravings from the designs of the author; a plate of inscriptions; and three maps.' [‎279] (358/524)

TABRIZ.
m
tion. For the same reason the bazars have only wooden roofs, and
are not arched as those in the better cities of Persia. Yet I am told
that in earthquakes, the domed buildings (particularly the Hummum
Khan, the largest in Tabriz) have invariably stood; where others, the
strongest wails, have been rent asunder.
Tabriz had declined to an insignificant place, when about four years
ago the present Prince, Abbas Mirza , the Heir Apparent of the
crown, was appointed to the government of Aderbigian, and made it
his capital. When we visited his city, he had resided there four
years, and had guarded the frontiers of Persia against the Russians.
During that time he had repaired and beautified the walls, had made
a new Maidan, and erected some new buildings. Indeed, before,
there was no place fit for his habitation; and all the great men attached
to his court have since been obliged to build houses for their own
accommodation.
The Prince is said by the Persians to possess every quality, that
can grace a mortal; and (as there are many circumstances in his
character, which his countrymen would never think of inventing) I am
inclined to believe them. They were related to me by the Hakim or
Governor of the city, at whose house I lodged during my residence at
Tabriz, Some time ago, three of the Prince's children died ; his
Vizir appeared before him with a mournful face ; the Prince observed
him, and inquired the reason: the Vizir hesitated, " Speak/ said the
Prince, " is there any public disaster ? have the Russians been sue-
"cessful? have they taken any more country from us?" "No,"
answered the Minister, " it is not that; your children are sick
^ What of that?" asked the Prince; " But very sick indeed," con-
tinned the Vizir : " Perhaps then they are dead," interrupted the
Father, His Minister confessed the truth. " Dead I" said the Prince,
« why should I grieve? the state has lost nothing by them; had I lost
" three of my good servants, had three useful officers died, then indeed
I should have grieved; but my children were babes, and God knows