'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' [‎162] (379/684)

162
DYNASTY OF THE KAJARS.
like the area of Paradise; and during the night, the
blaze of torches and lamps appeared brilliant fires,
like those of Mount Sinai. During the day, from
the abundance of all kinds of pleasures and delights,
the viands of mental desire and sensual enjoyment
were ready prepared for all the world. The won
drous power of skilful pyrotechnists was displayed
during each night of the joy-exciting festival; the
forms of fire-scattering elephants contended with
the figures of flame-showering raging lions; and
images of gold-taloned dragons hurled out light
nings from fiery circles. From the sound of the
koorna *, and the soul-delighting harmony of the
lyre and of the flute, the cup of existence overflowed
with joy and happiness. In short, when one or two
weeks had thus passed in festivity and pleasure—
" On a night, soft as the morn of life;
" Joy-exciting, as the day of youth;
" The moon-faced bridemaids removed, in the celestial chamber,
" The veil from the face of the bride ; and then the perfume
" Of the musk of Tartary was borne abroad on the southern
breeze."
The planet Mercury, as secretary, having formed
his ink from the dark eyes of the black-eyed virgins
* The koorna is a very large long trumpet, of a peculiar loud
and harsh sound. M. Jourdain, therefore, is not singular in hi 5
opinion as to the different instruments required to form a compl cte
concert:—
" Maitre de Musique. —II vous faudra trois voix, un dessus, uiu
" haute contre, et une basse, qui seront accompagnees d'une basse,
" de viole, d'un theorbe, et d'un clarion pour les basses continues
" avec deux, dessus de violon pour jouir les retournelles.
" M. Jourdain. —II faudra mettre aussi une trompeite marmt ■
" La trompette marine est un instrument qui me plait, et
" harmonieur." Bourgeoii Genii.