The contrast between the inhabitants of Sennah and of the neighbouring hills is singularly striking. The first are little different in their habits from citizens in Persia, while the latter are even more rude than the wandering tribes of that country. You meet them, watching their flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, within five or six miles of the small but luxurious capital, and are surprised to find that it is with pity, not envy, they regard its inhabitants. They glory in the state and splendour of the prince and chiefs to whom they owe hereditary allegiance, but look with contempt on the unwarlike, but more civilized community, with whom those they obey are immediately surrounded. Hamadân, the ancient Ecbatana, Kermen Shâh, once the residence of the mighty Khoosroo; Bagdad and its caliphs, the renowned port of Balsorah, and the southern shores of the Persian Gulph, are all before me. But here these volumes must close. My efforts to amuse, and perhaps inform my readers, are interrupted by circumstances, which, though they forbid promise, warrant a hope, that if we are pleased with each other we may meet again. FOOTNOTES: [160] The writer of the Hubeeb-ul-Syur is the authority quoted by Major Price, from whose history of the Mahomedans this account is taken. According to this work, an extraordinary difference was found in the sun's altitude and declination, at corresponding periods, between what was exhibited in the tables now framed by Naser-ood-Deen, and in those formerly established; and an error of surprising magnitude was detected in the mode that had hitherto been observed for adjusting the commencement of the new year. [161] The first who established this sect in Persia was Hoosein Subah. His followers hold the same tenets as those of Ismael in Egypt.--Vid. Hist. Persia, vol. i. p. 395. [162] This treatise is called the Akhlâk-e-Nâsiree, and is deemed one of the most valuable works which the Mahomedans possess on moral philosophy. [163] The English word assassin is said to be derived from the term Hooseinee, by which this sect was known. [164] This work is called Tarikh Akrâd, or the History of the Kûrds. It was given to the Elchee by the Kûrd chief of Mohezzee. [165] The Mahomedan name of this hero is Sallâh-ood-Deen. [166] This fort was taken from the Turks by Timoor, after a memorable siege. Vide Hist. Persia, vol. i. p. 465. [167] The ancient Nineveh. [168] Assad-ood-Deen's death took place in the year of the Hegira 564. [169] "Kih yek dem na geered be-jahee kerrâ." [170] Zabiteh. [171] Soobadar is the highest rank a native can attain in the Indian army. This gallant soldier is now soobadar major of the body guard of the governor of Madras. London: W. CLOWES & SONS, Duke Street, Stamford Street. * * * * * * Transcriber's note: Obvious errors of punctuation were corrected. Inconsistent hyphenation and diacritics were made consistent.