DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15173#0045
CHAP. i. MESSRS. ALLARD AND COURT.
27
pain of the poor creatures, who lost some ponderous
ornaments from their ears and noses in the scuffle.
Supper was introduced, and consisted of different
kinds of meats, richly cooked, and which, in contrast
to the surrounding magnificence, were handed up in
leaves sewed into the shape of cups. They con-
tained hare, partridge, pork, and all sorts of game,
&c, of which Runjeet partook freely, and handed
to us. There were also a variety of confections and
Jces: but it is easier to describe these matters of
tact than the scene in which they took place. We
broke up long past midnight.
During these gay and festive scenes, we were not
forgetful of the difficulties which awaited us; and
availed ourselves of the experience of Messrs. Allard
and Court, who had travelled overland from Persia
through a part of the countries we were now about
to traverse. These gentlemen seemed to vie with
each other in every act of kindness. They furnished
Us with various letters to their acquaintances in
Afghanistan, and gave us many hints to guide our
conduct. Monsieur Court, indeed, drew up a precis
of them, the result of his own experience, which I
annex*, since it conveys, at the same time, most
Valuable information to a traveller, and gives me an
opportunity of expressing my gratitude both to him
and M. Allard, and the reasons on which I found it.
These gentlemen did not disguise from me the many
apprehensions which they entertained for our safety ;
but our visit to Lahore had not been made to discuss
Sec the end of the chapter.
27
pain of the poor creatures, who lost some ponderous
ornaments from their ears and noses in the scuffle.
Supper was introduced, and consisted of different
kinds of meats, richly cooked, and which, in contrast
to the surrounding magnificence, were handed up in
leaves sewed into the shape of cups. They con-
tained hare, partridge, pork, and all sorts of game,
&c, of which Runjeet partook freely, and handed
to us. There were also a variety of confections and
Jces: but it is easier to describe these matters of
tact than the scene in which they took place. We
broke up long past midnight.
During these gay and festive scenes, we were not
forgetful of the difficulties which awaited us; and
availed ourselves of the experience of Messrs. Allard
and Court, who had travelled overland from Persia
through a part of the countries we were now about
to traverse. These gentlemen seemed to vie with
each other in every act of kindness. They furnished
Us with various letters to their acquaintances in
Afghanistan, and gave us many hints to guide our
conduct. Monsieur Court, indeed, drew up a precis
of them, the result of his own experience, which I
annex*, since it conveys, at the same time, most
Valuable information to a traveller, and gives me an
opportunity of expressing my gratitude both to him
and M. Allard, and the reasons on which I found it.
These gentlemen did not disguise from me the many
apprehensions which they entertained for our safety ;
but our visit to Lahore had not been made to discuss
Sec the end of the chapter.