On the facade of the palace, small niches, arches, pillars, etc., are hewn out from the top to bottom; the whole appears to be covered with fine cement, in which the most beautiful arabesques are still to be seen.  Opposite these ruins on the western shore of the Tigris, lie a few remains of the walls of Seleucia, the capital of Macedonia.

On both banks, extensive circles of low mounds are visible in every direction; these all contain, at a slight depth, bricks and rubbish.

Not far from the ruins stands a plain mosque, which holds the tomb of Selamam Pak.  This man was a friend of Mahomet’s, and is on that account honoured as a saint.  I was not allowed to enter the mosque, and was obliged to content myself with looking in through the open door.  I saw only a tomb built of bricks, surrounded by a wooden lattice, painted green.

I had already observed a number of tents along the banks of the Tigris on first reaching the ruins; my curiosity induced me to visit them, where I found everything the same as among the desert Arabs, except that the people were not so savage and rough; I could have passed both day and night among them without apprehension.  This might be from my having been accustomed to such scenes.

A much more agreeable visit was before me.  While I was amusing myself among the dirty Arabs, a Persian approached, who pointed to a pretty tent which was pitched at a short distance from us, and said a few words to me.  My guide explained to me that a Persian prince lived in this tent, and that he had politely invited me by this messenger.  I accepted the invitation with great pleasure, and was received in a very friendly manner by the prince, who was named Il-Hany-Ala-Culy-Mirza.

The prince was a handsome young man, and said that he understood French; but we soon came to a stop with that, as his knowledge of it did not extend beyond “Vous parlez Francais!” Luckily, one of his people had a better acquaintance with English, and so we were able to carry on some conversation.

The interpreter explained to me that the prince resided in Baghdad, but on account of the oppressive heat, he had taken up his residence here for some time.  He was seated upon a low divan under an open tent, and his companions reclined upon carpets.  To my surprise, he had sufficient politeness to offer me a seat by his side upon the divan.  Our conversation soon became very animated, and his astonishment when I related to him my travels increased with every word.  While we were talking, a nargilly of most singular beauty was placed before me; it was made of light-blue enamel on gold, ornamented with pearls, turquoises, and precious stones.  For politeness’ sake, I took a few puffs from it.  Tea and coffee were also served, and afterwards the prince invited me to dinner.  A white cloth was spread upon the ground, and flat cakes of bread, instead of plates, laid upon it:  an exception was made for me, as I had a