Page:The Six Voyages of John Baptista Tavernier.djvu/141
receiv'd, was resolv'd to make the Basha restore some part of his Goods which he had taken from the Merchants; and for the future to leave two of his Subjects in Tauris, and two in Van, that should be responsible for what mischief should be done to the Caravan. For otherwise the Merchants like this way best, as being the nearest from Aleppo to Tauris, and where they pay less Duties.
From Nuchar to Kuticlar, is a long Journey through the Mountains by the side of several Torrents, which are to be cross'd in several places. This bad way brings Fifty i'the Hundred profit to the Bey of Nuchar; for were the Caravan to travel through Plains, or a level Country, one Horse or Camel would carry as much as two or three, and the Merchant would pay Custom for no more. Here therefore the Caravan-Bashi and the Merchants must understand one another, and agree as cunningly as they can together.
From Kuticlar to Kalvat.
From Kalvat to Kogia.
From Kogia to Darkavin.
From Darkavin to Soliman-Sera: all which four places are very convenient Inns.
From Soliman-Sera to Kours: in that City resides a Bey, who is tributary to the King of Persia. He lives in an ancient Castle about half a League off, where the Caravan pays nine Abassi's for every Horse-load, besides a Present. But that Present consists only in Sugar-loaves, Boxes of Treacle, or Marmaled; for he stands so much upon his Honour, that he scorns to take Money. The Wine of Kours is sweet and tart.
From Kours to Devogli.
From Devogli to Checheme. About half way between these two places you cross a Plain, which upon the South extends it self a League to the Mountains, but upon the North side enlarges it self out of sight. Upon the High-way, on the left hand stands a Rock three hundred Paces in compass, and about fourscore Foot high; round about it were to be seen several Dens, which most certainly had been the Habitations of those that fed their Cattel thereabouts. Under the Rock, which is hollow, appears a Fountain of clear cold Water, wherein there was great store of Fish; thousands of which would come up to the top of the Water, when a man threw any Bread into it. The Fish had a great Head, and a large Mustache. I shot a Carbine into the River charg'd with Hail-shot, upon which they all disappear'd, but presently five or six return'd wounded to the top of the Water, which we easily took. The Armenians laught at me for shooting, believing it had been impossible to catch them in that manner; but they admir'd when they beheld them again turning up their bellies at the top of the Water. The Turks and some of the Armenians would not eat of them, believing them to be defil'd: but the Armenians that had been in Europe laugh'd at their Superstition, and fell to, when they were drest.
From Checheme to Davashiler.
From Davashiler to Marand; a City where you must pay sixteen Abassi's for a Camel's-load, and eight for a Horses.
From Merand to Sefian.
From Sefian to Tauris. These are the two biggest days journies throughout the Road.
Returning out of Persia this way, we could not get Bread for Money, so that, we were forc'd to give the Women some Trifles which they lov'd better. Though the People are Mahometans, yet they will not spare to drink lustily.
CHAP.