supply of light
and air, as well as an unseemly publicity, were prevented. A traveller
in the country well observes, in allusion to this passage from Esther:
Nothing could be more appropriate than this method at Susa and
Persepolis, the spring residences of the Persian monarchs. It must be
considered that these columnar halls were the equivalents of the modern
throne-rooms, that here all public business was dispatched, and that
here the king might sit and enjoy the beauties of the landscape. With
the rich plains of Susa and Persepolis before him, he could well, after
his winter's residence at Babylon, dispense with massive walls, which
would only check the warm fragrant breeze from those verdant prairies
adorned with the choicest flowers. A massive roof, covering the whole
expanse of columns, would be too cold and dismal, whereas curtains
around the central group would serve to admit both light and warmth.
Nothing can be conceived better adapted to the climate or the season.

If the central cluster of pillars was thus adapted to the purposes of
a throne-room, equally well may the isolated colonnades have served as
ante-chambers or posts for guards. Protected, perhaps, with curtains
or awnings of their own, of a coarser material than those of the main
chamber, or at any rate casting, when the sun was high, a broad and deep
shadow, they would give a welcome shelter to those who had to watch
over the safety of the monarch, or who were expecting but had not yet
received their summons to the royal presence. Except in the very hottest
weather, the Oriental does not love to pass his day within doors. Seated
on the pavement in groups, under the deep shadows of these colonnades,
which commanded a glorious view of the vast fertile plain of the
Bendamir, of the undulating mountain-tract beyond, and of the
picturesque hills known now as Koh-Istakhr, or Koh-Rhamgherd, the
subjects of the Great King, who had business at Court, would wait,
agreeably enough, till their turn came to approach the throne.

Our survey of the Persepolitan platform is now complete; but, before we
entirely dismiss the subject of Persian palaces, it seems proper to say
a few words with respect to the other palatial remains of Achasmenian
times, remains which exist in three places--at Murgab or Pasargadse, at
Istakr, and at the great mound of Susa. The Murgab and Istakr ruins were
carefully examined by MM. Coste and Flandin; while General Williams and
Mr. Lof