James Justinian Morier

“ Much time had now elapsed since my affair with the chief priest of Tehran. The mollah Nadân, so I had heard, had long ago been blown from the mouth of a mortar, and the widow, whom I left in the hands of the Cûrds, had never returned to Persia. Therefore, I concluded I might show myself in all safety, for I argued thus: should I even be recognized, still who would venture to molest me, powerfully protected as I should be by men in office? ”

“ 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 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. ”