'The dynasty of the Kajars translated from the original Persian manuscript presented by His Majesty Faty Aly Shah to Sir Harford Jones Brydges ... to which is prefixed a succinct account of the history of Persia previous to that period illustarted with plates and a map of Western Persia' [‎5] (26/684)

to the reader. v
variance f. If we examine closely, it will be found
that the quantum of lying amongst any given num
ber of nations, as compared with each other, does not
vary so much as we are at first inclined to imagine.
The main difference, generally speaking, is in the
subject of the lie, and the purpose for which it is told:
and I cannot think myself very rash in saying, that,
where interest is concerned, I have often found
Europeans as ready to deviate from the truth as
Persians. Few circumstances can be imagined, in
the common intercourses of life, in commerce, in
diplomacy, in which I have not had communica
tions with Persians; and I assert, from long expe-
t The colloquial language of Persia is more hyperbolical per
haps than any other. A Persian does not scruple using to one's
face such expressions as these: " Your wisdom is greater than that
of Aristotle " Your courage is superior to that of Alexander
" The fame of your reputation and glory fills the whole world
such are phrases of common parlance: and thus, by constantly
using words to which he attaches no precise meaning, the Persian
easily slides into lies of inaccurate description; and the transition
from moral folly to moral guilt is, alas ! but too easy: " Facilis
descensus Averni/' It is but fair, however, to add, that when
these sort of compliments are paid, a Persian may be generally
considered as practising that species of polite conversation which
is known in Persia by the term Reeshcund, and in England by
that of quizzing.
Many have witnessed, and laughed at, the droll scene in the
Bourgeois Cientilhomme of Moliere, Act. VI., without being aware
how severe a slap that admirable comic writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. has given therein to
the colloquial idiom of the Turks. Clionte personates the son of
the Grand Turk, and is made to address Monsieur Jourdain:
Ahousahum oqui boraf Giourdina Islamelequiwhich Covielle
explains to be, " Monsieur Jourdain, votre cocur soit toute Tannee
comme un rosier fleuriand adds, " Ces sont fagon de parler
oblige antes