A broad, swift torrent dashes through the valley, which is about a quarter of a mile broad.

In places the pathway, hewn out of the solid rock, is barely three feet wide, without guard or handrail of any kind.

This part of the journey was reached at sunset, and we did not emerge on the plain beyond till after dark.

Our horses were, fortunately, as active as cats, and knew their way well, for to guide them was impossible.

In places one's foot actually swung over the precipice, and a false step must have sent one crashing over the side and into the roaring torrent below, which, perhaps luckily, we could only hear, not see.
The ruins of Persepolis are situated about fifty miles north-east of Shiraz, two or three miles from the main road.