gods whom they worship, are set up about the vault, and show like stars
in the firmament. This is the chamber in which the king delivers his
judgments. Four golden magic-wheels hang from its roof, and threaten
the monarch with the Divine Nemesis, if he exalts himself above the
condition of man. These wheels are called 'the tongues of the gods,' and
are set in their places by the Magi who frequent the palace."

The state and pomp which surrounded the monarch seem scarcely to have
fallen short of the Achaemenian standard. Regarded as in some sort
divine during his life, and always an object of national worship after
his death, the "Brother of the Sun and Moon" occupied a position far
above that of the most exalted of his subjects. Tributary monarchs
were shocked, when, in times of misfortune, the "Great King" stooped
to solicit their aid, and appeared before them in the character of a
suppliant, shorn of his customary splendor. Nobles coveted the dignity
of "King's Friend," and were content to submit to blows and buffets
at the caprice of their royal master, before whom they prostrated
themselves in adoration after each castigation. The Parthian monarch
dined in solitary grandeur, extended on his own special couch, and
eating from his own special table, which was placed at a greater
elevation than those of his guests. His "friend" sat on the ground at
his feet, and was fed like a dog by scraps from his master's board.
Guards, ministers, and attendants of various kinds surrounded him,
and were ready at the slightest sign to do his bidding. Throughout the
country he had numerous "Eyes" and "Ears"--officers who watched his
interests and sent him word of whatever touched his safety. The bed on
which the monarch slept was of gold, and subjects were forbidden to take
their repose on couches of this rich material. No stranger could obtain
access to him unless introduced by the proper officer; and it was
expected that all who asked an audience would be prepared with some
present of high value. For the gifts received the monarch made a
suitable return, allowing those whom he especially favored to choose the
presents that they preferred.

The power and dignity of the Parthian nobles was greater than that
usually enjoyed by any subjects of an Oriental king. Rank in Parthia
being hereditary and not simply official, the "megistanes" were no
mere creatures of the monarch, but a class which stood upon its own
indefeasible rights. As th