Ch.XXVI, p.595, f.2
"About four miles to the southwest of Kashan, on the slopes of the
mountains, is situated the palace of Fin, the springs of which have
rendered it a favourite resort of royalty from early times.... In later
times, a gloomier memory has attached to the palace of Fin; for here, in
1852, Mirza Taqi Khan, the first great minister of the reigning Shah,
and brother-in-law of the king, was put to death by the Royal order, his
veins being opened in a bath. The place is now deserted." (Lord Curzon's
"Persia and the Persian Question," vol. 2, p.16.) "A lady of the harem was
sent to the Princess, telling her to dry her tears, for that the Shah had
relented, and that the Amir was to return to Tihran or go to Karbila,
the usual haven for Persians who have lost court favour. `The khal'at or
coat of honour,' said she, "is on the way, and will arrive in an hour or
two; go therefore, to the bath, and prepare to receive it.' The Amir all
this time had not once ventured to quit the safety afforded by the
apartment of the Princess, and of her presence. On hearing the joyful
news, however, he resolved to take the advice of this woman, and indulge in
the luxury of a bath. He left the Princess, and she never saw him more.
When he reached the bath the fatal order was revealed to him, and the crime
perpetrated. The farrash-bashi and his vile crew presented themselves,
and the choice of the mode of death was given to him. It is said he bore
his fate with patience and fortitude. His veins were opened, and he at
length expired." (Lady Sheil's "Glimpses of Life and Manners in Persia,"
pp. 251-2.)