'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.