ind the classical reader of the
speech of Themistocles, in Plutarch, addressed to Xerxes. The Persian
King had assured him of his protection, and ordered him to declare
freely whatever he had to propose concerning Greece. Themistocles
replied, that a man's discourse was like a piece of tapestry which, when
spread open, displays its figures; but when it is folded up, they are
hidden and lost; therefore he begged time. The King, delighted with the
comparison, bade him take what time he pleased; and he desired a year;
in which space he learned the Persian language, so as to be able to
converse with the King without an interpreter.]

[Footnote 36: Hujir was the son of Gudarz. A family of the extent
mentioned in the text is not of rare occurrence amongst the Princes of
the East. The King of Persia had, in 1809, according to Mr. Morier,
"sixty-five sons!" As the Persians make no account of females, it is not
known how many daughters he had.]

[Footnote 37: The Kulub-gah is the centre or heart of the army, where
the Sovereign or Chief of the troops usually remains.]

[Footnote 38: Ahirmun, a demon, the principle of evil.]

[Footnote 39: This girdle was the gift of the king, as a token of
affection and gratitude. Jonathan gives to David, among other things,
his girdle: "Because he loved him as his own soul."--I Samuel, xviii. 3.
4.]

[Footnote 40: A crocodile in war, with Firdusi, is a figure of great
power and strength.]

[Footnote 41: It is difficult to account for this denial of his name, as
there appears to be no equivalent cause. But all the famous heroes,
described in the Shah Nameh, are as much distinguished for their address
and cunning, as their bravery.]

[Footnote 42: The original is Um[=u]d, which appears to have been a
weapon made of iron. Um[=u]d also signifies a column, a beam.]

[Footnote 43: Thus also Sa'di "Knowest thou What Zal said to Rustem the
Champion? Never calculate upon the weakness or insignificance of an
enemy."]

[Footnote 44: Rustem is as much distinguished for piety as bravery.
Every success is attributed by him to the favor of Heaven. In the
achievement of his labors in the Heft-Khan, his devotion is constant and
he everywhere justly acknowledges that power and victory are derived
from God alone.]

[Footnote 45: The expression in the original is remarkable. "Assuredly,
as thou hast thirsted for blood, Destiny will also thirst for thine, and
the very hairs upon thy body will become da