was answered, 'That may be very true; but what is that to
us? Whole empires intervene, and, therefore, what affinity can there be
between France and Persia?

'But,' said the Frenchman, 'we want to conquer India from the English,
and we wish to have an open road through your territories.'

'What is that to us?' again said the Shah: 'you may want India, but we
are in no way anxious to entertain your troops.'

'But we will conquer Georgia for you, put you in possession of Teflis,
and secure you from further molestation from the Russians.'

'That is another case,' said the Shah; 'when once we see the effects of
your interference, and hear that there are no more Russians on this side
the Caucasus, we will treat with you: until then we can allow no passage
through our territories, nor break with our old friends the English!'

On the other hand, the English said, 'The French can have no other
object in coming to Persia than to molest us; we require that you send
them away.'

'How!' said the Shah, 'we cannot do that; for that would be against the
laws of hospitality. The gate of our palace is open to every one.'

'But,' urged the English, 'you must either retain one or the other--and
must decide between us. Either agree to be our friends and expel the
French, or make up your minds to receive us as enemies.'

'Why should we make ourselves enemies to please you? We want to be
friends with all the world.'

'But,' continued the English, 'we will help and strengthen you, and give
you money.'

'Oh! that is another case,' said the Shah; 'tell me how much, and then
all may be done.'

Such was nearly the state of things when we left Tabriz, and as my
ambassador was expected with impatience at Tehran, we did not tarry long
with the prince royal, but prosecuted our journey with all dispatch.

On the morning of our arrival at Sultanieh, on the road from Tehran, we
discovered a long train of horsemen with their baggage, whom we could
make out were not Persians, and whom as they approached we saw were
Franks. They were accompanied by a mehmander, an officer from the Shah,
who informed us, that this was the French embassy on its return, who it
seems had been politely requested to take its leave; and it was moreover
added, that the English ambassador would very shortly take its place.

This at once explained how matters stood at court, and that between the
rival bidders for his majesty's favour, the King of Kings had come to a