The palaces of the king are inclosed in a fort of lofty walls, which is
estimated to have a circumference of three miles. The palace of the
Chehel Sitoon, or ‘forty pillars,’ is situated in the middle of an
immense square, which is intersected by various canals, and planted in
different directions by the beautiful chenar tree. In front is an
extensive square basin of water, from the furthest extremity of which
the palace is beautiful beyond either the power of language or the
correctness of pencil to delineate. The first saloon is open toward the
garden, is supported by eighteen pillars, all inlaid with mirrors, and,
the glass being in a much greater proportion than the wood, appears at a
distance to be formed of glass only. Each pillar has a marble base,
which is carved into the figures of four lions placed in such attitudes,
that the shaft seems to rest on their four united backs. The walls,
which form its termination behind, are also covered with mirrors placed
in such a variety of symmetrical positions, that the mass of the
structure appears to be of glass, and when new must have glittered with
most magnificent splendor. The ceiling is painted in gold flowers, which
are still fresh and brilliant. Large curtains are suspended on the
outside, which are occasionally lowered to lessen the heat of the sun.