[34] This is the Fong-whang, or fabulous bird of the Chinese.  The Simorg-
    Anka, is supposed among the Persians to have existed among the
    Preadamites, and to have assisted Solomon in his wars.—­Astl.

[35] The text is here abrupt and inconclusive:  These vestments were
    probably presented to the ambassadors and their suite.—­E.

[36] What this may have been does not appear; it may possibly have been
    arrack, or the wine made of rice and spices, which is frequently
    mentioned in the travels of Marco Polo.—­E.

SECTION II.

The several Audiences of the Ambassadors, their Entertainments, Presents, and Return.

On the ninth of the month Zu’lhajjeh, the Sekjin, or officer belonging to the court who had charge of the ambassadors, came to their lodgings before day, and raised them from their beds, saying that the emperor meant to feast them that day.  He brought them to the palace on horses which were sent for the purpose, and placed them in the outer court, where two hundred thousand persons were in attendance.  As soon as the sun was up, they were led to the foot of the throne, where they saluted the emperor, by bowing their heads to the ground five several times.  At length the emperor descended from the throne, and the ambassadors were led back to the outer court, where they were separated for a while, that they might perform the deeds of necessity; being told that no person could be allowed to stir out on any pretence during the continuance of the feast.  After this, they were led through the first and second courts, and thence into a third, which was entirely open, and paved with fine freestone.  In the front of this court there was a great hall sixty cubits long, having chambers over it; and in the hall was a great sofa, higher than a man, which was ascended by three silver stairs, one in front, and the others at the two sides.  In this place there stood two khojas of the palace, having a kind of pasteboard covers on their mouths, and fastened to their ears.  Upon the great sofa or platform, there was a smaller one in form of a couch, having pillows and cushions for the feet; and on each side there were pans for fire, and perfuming pans.  This smaller sofa was of wood, beautifully gilded, and looking quite fresh, though sixty years old, and every thing was finely varnished.  The most eminent of the Dakjis stood on each side of the throne, armed, and behind them were the soldiers of the imperial guard, with naked sabres.  The ambassadors were placed on the left hand, as the most honourable station.  Three tables were placed before each of the Amirs and other most distinguished persons, while others had only two, and the more ordinary persons but one; and there were at least a thousand tables at this entertainment.