The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-06-02
A Dinner ut Shiraz.
[Tinsley's Magazine.1

Two slaves brought silver Jug con-
tanning rosewater, which was poured
over our hands; we then sat down at a
cloth, spread as usual on the floor. Large
dishes OF rice, boiled to perfection, fowls
and meat cooked in every manner posi-
BILE; all dishes highly colored with saffron,
and very much favored with mint; fruit
NTH mutton, dates with eggs, every
thing very greasy; large fiat cakes of
bread which served for plates. The guests
plunged their hands into the rice, tore a
piece of meat off where they liked, and
ate very much and very fast. My knife
and fork were much approved, as keep
ing ones hands clean.
Several tried to use them, but as they
had a very indefinite notion of the use
of the knife, was not surprised to see
one lip bleeding. My hostess tore off
all the choicest bits, and piled them on
my plate. sweets and meats all at once.
| We had sherbet and water passed round
in wooden bowls I was, not invited to
drink with them. but glass bowl, hold
ing about a quart, was put before me,
containing most excellent sherbet made
of lines. Every one, having eaten
plentifully, stood up and thanked the
hostess, who led the way into alarge cool
room with a tank in the center; cush-
ions were laid about, and then all soon
composed themselves for their sesta, and
for two hours everything was quiet. On
waking up, rosewater was again
brought, and brown powder, which the
ladies busted over their han0s and faces.
We then went to another room, where
we found band of musicians, who
played in very monotonous way for
some time; it seemed to give great salts
faction to most of those present, who
clapped their hands and screamed for
more! A collection was again made for
the performers. Servants entered with
trays of cherries, plums and nuts; the
hostess gave portion to each guest, the
more favored ones getting about double.
A walk in the garden was then proposed;
all the wells were put on for fear of meet
ing any one, and we went out into very
fine garden full Of fruit trees, water rum
ming between each row; the shade and
GOODNESS were very grateful. After
time out here, one is 1T no loss to won
der why the Persians are SO fond of trees
and water. The garden must have been
about forty acres in extent; half was
planted with vines.
The hostess gathered several grapes
and gave them to me, very small and
sour; passed them ON and they were
soon eaten. Unripe fruit is much liked,
and eaten generally with salt. We re-
turned to the house for tea, which was
served boiling hot in cups like dolls,
with tiny spoons. The tea was very
sweet and made with rosewater. No
milk was to be had. Half an hour later
excellent ices were brought, and the
clever way in which the ladies ate them
with their fingers excited no small sur.
prise in my mind. There was a stream
running in front of the room, and one
lady suggested that they should all ad.
journ to the side of it and sit with their
feet in the water. This was accordingly
done. l had many pressing invitations
to remove my boots and do the same,
which I declined. Now the talking was
fast and loud; every sort of trick was
played on their neighbors by those near
them; SHOW was thrown a5out--not made
into ball, but in loose mass.
l showed them how to make ball,
which greatly pleased them. They i'm
proved on my pattern by putting green
plums in the center. At this game they
played for some time; then the duties Of
the toilet appeared to have claim on
them, and from every pocket appeared a
small mirror, pots, and papers contain
ing powders and unguents for the beauti-
flying of their faces. The contemplation
Of their charms, when freshly touched
up, afforded them the greatest satisfac-
ton. I made remark as to the length
of one lady's hair. In minute every
head was uncovered, in order that
might Judge Of the merits of each one.
Some was very long and fine, but all of
the uniform color.