chap, xxii M. CONSTANT'S PROCEEDINGS 261
at
many feasts of Khans or Governors of Provinces in Persia, where they
know of nothing but ragouts, not even understandÂing how to roast a
fowl properly. But at this repast all was well arranged, and it looked
as if a Frank cook had a hand in it. All the baladines of Gombroon were
present, to dance in their own manner according to custom, and there
was much gaiety. The following day M. Constant entertained several
Franks at dinner, and at the close of the repast the Khan sent one of
his officers to present his compliments to Commander Constant, and to
tell him that he would sup with him ; this he received very well, as he
appreciated the honour the Khan wished to do him. Compliments being
finished, the Commander took a large glass and drank to the health of
the Khan, and all those who were at table did likewise. As soon as the
officer had left, the Commander asked some of those who were dining
with him, how a governor should be treated when he did the honour to a
commander of coming to see him at home ; one told him that the first
care he should have would be that as soon as night had come numbers of
lamps should be lighted, both outside and in the house. In that country
these are little saucers full of oil attached to the walls of the
house, and about a foot from each other.1 But the Commander
desiring to do more honour than that to the Khan and to the Company,
instead of these lamps ordered white wax candles to be used, so that
both within and without the house there was light everywhere. The Khan
expressed himself highly pleased with this liberal expenditure, which
was done specially to enhance his honour ; and all the merchants, both
Christians and Musalmans, were also surprised. It is true', said I to
the members of the Council,' that you know that this wax does not cost
so much to the Company as it does to private persons, because all the
Dutch vessels which come from Mocha carry much of it, as it is very
cheap there.'
' The baladines were present in large numbers at this repast,
to amuse the company with their dances and graceful attitudes,
for there was money to be earned, as they know that the
Commanders pay them well, and that it is not the case with
1 The Chiragh, used in the same way in India.
