'The History of Persia, from the most early period to the present time: containing an account of the religion, government, usages and character of the inhabitants of that kingdom. By Colonel Sir John Malcolm, KCB, KLS Late minister plenipotentiary to the court of Persia from the supreme government of India. In two volumes.' [‎567] (624/786)

THE HISTORY OF PERSIA.
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The mode of introduction of a foreign minister at the Court chap.xxv.
of Persia has been mentioned. The forms observed in his inter-
course with the viceroys of provinces and governors of cities, be- observed" by
fore he reaches the capital, are deemed equally important. The ZTo^L
manner of meeting him before he enters a town, and the mode Inltt
of his reception at the different houses that he visits, are subjects s r X arabas '
of the most serious discussion and minute arrangement. The rank
and number of persons sent to welcome him, the distance they go,
and the period at which they dismount, are all of importance, as
they mark the exact degree of respect and consideration in which he
is held : and at his first interviews with princes of the blood or nobles
of high rank, the inclination of the head, the rising from the seat,
the advancing to the edge of the carpet, to the door, or even beyond
it, and the place where he is to be seated, are considered as forms
of the utmost consequence, and are therefore always settled by
previous agreement. Ceremonies of this kind have every where some
importance; but they are most attended to by nations who, like
Persia, have no correct knowledge of the character and condition
of distant countries, and whose impressions are chiefly formed from
the appearance and conduct of those by whom they are repre
sented. If an ambassador assumes great state, the nation he
represents is considered to be wealthy and powerful: if he exacts
attention, and resents the slightest neglect, his monarch is believed
to be lofty and independent, and worthy of that friendship which
he disdains to court by any sacrifice of dignity or of honour;
while a contrary proceeding on the part of a public representative
is certain to lead to opposite conclusions. It is not unusual to