298                         DESCRIPTION OF

The whole fabric is supported by four great arches, three
of which are quite open and the other closed up by the
wall of an apartment with a gallery attached to it. There
the Koran is continually read with apparent devotion in
respectful memory of Tage Mehale by certain Mullahs kept
in the mausoleum for that purpose. The centre of every
arch is adorned with white marble slabs whereon are in¬
scribed large Arabian characters in black marble, which
produce a fine eff'ect. The interior or concave part of the
dome and generally the whole of the wall from top to
bottom are faced with white marble: no part can be found
that is not skilfully wrought, or that has not its peculiar
beauty. Everywhere are seen the jasper, and jachen} or
jade, as well as other stones similar to those that enrich
the walls of the Grand Duke's chapel at Florence, and
several more of great value and rarity, set in an endless
variety of modes, mixed and enchased in the slabs of
marble which face the body of the wall. Even the squares
of white and black marble which compose the pavement
are inlaid with these precious stones in the most beautiful
and delicate manner imaginable.

Under the dome is a small chamber, wherein is enclosed
the tomb of T'age Mehale. It is opened with much
ceremony once in a year, and once only; and as no
Christian is admitted within, lest its sanctity should be
profaned, I have not seen the interior, but I understand
that nothing can be conceived more rich and magnificent.

It only remains to draw your attention to a walk or
terrace, nearly five-and-twenty paces in breadth and
rather more in height, which runs from the dome to the
extremity of the garden. From this terrace are seen the
Gemna flowing below, a large expanse of luxuriant
gardens, a part of the city of Agra, the fortress, and all
the fine residences of the Omrahs erected on the banks
of the river. When I add that this terrace extends almost
the whole length of one side of the garden, I leave you to
^  Yashm is the Persian name for this mineral.