Next arose
A well-towered city, by seven golden gates
Inclosed, that fitted to their lintels hung.
Then burst forth
Aloud the marriage song; and far and wide
Long splendors flashed from many a quivering torch.
HESIOD
When the galley arrived at the opulent city of Tyre, the noble Persian
and his retinue joined a caravan of Phoenician merchants bound to
Ecbatana, honoured at that season of the year with the residence of the
royal family. Eudora travelled in a cedar carriage drawn by camels. The
latticed windows were richly gilded, and hung with crimson curtains,
which her father ordered to be closed at the slightest indication of
approaching travellers. Dione, with six more youthful attendants,
accompanied her, and exerted all their powers to make the time pass
pleasantly; but all their stories of romantic love, of heroes mortal and
immortal, combined with the charms of music, could not prevent her from
feeling that the journey was exceedingly long and wearisome.
She recollected how her lively spirit had sometimes rebelled against the
restraints imposed on Grecian women, and sighed to think of all she had
heard concerning the far more rigid customs of Persia. Expressions of
fatigue sometimes escaped her; and her indulgent parent consented that
she should ride in the chariot with him, enveloped in a long, thick
veil, that descended to her feet, with two small openings of net-work
for the eyes.
As they passed through Persia, he pointed out to her the sacred groves,
inhabited by the Magii: the entrance of the cave where Zoroaster penned
his divine precepts; and the mountain on whose summit he was wont to
hold midnight communication with the heavenly bodies.
Eudora remarked that she nowhere observed temples or altars; objects to
which her eye had always been accustomed, and which imparted such a
sacred and peculiar beauty to Grecian scenery.
Artaphernes replied, "It is because these things are contrary to the
spirit of Persian theology. Zoroaster taught us that the temple of
Oromasdes was infinite space--his altar, the air, the earth, and the
heavens."
When the travellers arrived within sight of Ecbatana, the setting sun
poured upon the noble city a flood of dazzling light. It was girdled by
seven walls of seven different colours; one rising above the other, in
all the hues of the rainbow. From the centre of the innermost, arose the
light, graceful towers of the royal palace, glittering with gold. The
city was surrounded by fertile, spacious plains, bounded on one side by
Mount Orontes, and on the other by a stately forest, amid whose lofty
trees might here and there be seen the magnificent villas of Persian
nobles.
Eudora's heart beat violently, when her father pointed to the residence
of Megabyzus, and told her that the gilded balls on its pinnacles could
be discovered from their own dwelling; but maiden shame prevented her
from inquiring whether Philæmon was still the instructor of his sons.
The morning after his arrival, Artaphernes had a private audience with
his royal master. This conference lasted so long, that many of the
courtiers supposed his mission in Greece related to matters of more
political importance than the purchase of pictures and statues; and this
conjecture was afterward confirmed by the favours lavished upon him.
It was soon known throughout the precincts of the court that the
favourite noble had returned from Athens, bringing with him his
long-lost daughter. The very next day, as Eudora walked round the
terraces of her father's princely mansion, she saw the royal carriages
approach, followed by a long train of attendants, remarkable for age and
ugliness, and preceded by an armed guard, calling aloud to all men to
retire before their presence, on pain of death. In obedience to these
commands, Artaphernes immediately withdrew to his own apartment, closed
the shutters, and there remained till the royal retinue departed.
The visiters consisted of Amestris, the mother of Artaxerxes; Arsinöe of
Damascus, his favourite mistress; and Parysatis, his daughter; with
their innumerable slaves. They examined Eudora with more than childish
curiosity; pulled every article of her dress, to ascertain its colour
and its texture; teased to see all her jewels; wanted to know the name
of everything in Greek; requested her to sing Greek songs; were
impatient to learn Ionian dances; conjured her to paint a black streak
from the eyes to the ears; and were particularly anxious to ascertain
what cosmetic the Grecian ladies used to stain the tips of their
fingers.
When all these important matters were settled, by means of an
interpreter, they began to discuss the merits of Grecian ladies; and
loudly expressed their horror at the idea of appearing before brothers
unveiled, and at the still grosser indelicacy of sometimes allowing the
face to be seen by a betrothed lover. Then followed a repetition of all
the gossip of the harem; particularly, a fresh piece of scandal
concerning Apollonides of Cos, and their royal kinswoman, Amytis, the
wife of Megabyzus. Eudora turned away to conceal her blushes; for the
indelicacy of their language was such as seldom met the ear of a Grecian
maiden.
The Queen mother was eloquent in praise of a young Lesbian girl, whom
Artaphernes had bought to attend upon his daughter. This was equivalent
to asking for the slave; and the captive herself evinced no
unwillingness to join the royal household; it having been foretold by an
oracle that she would one day be the mother of kings. Amestris accepted
the beautiful Greek, with many thanks, casting a triumphant glance at
Arsinöe and Parysatis, who lowered their brows, as if each had reasons
of her own for being displeased with the arrangement.
The royal guests gave and received a variety of gifts; consisting
principally of jewels, embroidered mantles, veils, tufts of peacock
feathers with ivory handles, parrots, and golden boxes filled with
roseate powder for the fingers, and black paint for the eyebrows. At
length they departed, and Eudora's attendants showered perfumes on them
as they went.
Eudora recalled to mind the pure and sublime discourse she had so often
enjoyed with Philothea, and sighed as she compared it with this
specimen of intercourse with high-born Persian ladies.
When the sun was setting, she again walked upon the terrace; and,
forgetful of the customs of the country, threw back her veil, that she
might enjoy more perfectly the beauty of the landscape. She stood
thoughtfully gazing at the distant pinnacles, which marked the residence
of Megabyzus, when the barking of Hylax attracted her attention, and
looking into the garden, she perceived a richly dressed young man, with
his eyes fixed earnestly upon her. She drew her veil hastily, and
retired within the dwelling, indulging the secret hope that none of her
attendants had witnessed an action, which Artaphernes would deem so
imprudent.
On the following morning commenced the celebrated festival called, 'The
Salutation of Mithras;' during which, forty days were set apart for
thanksgiving and sacrifice. The procession formed long before the rising
of the sun. First appeared a long train of the most distinguished Magii
from all parts of the empire, led by their chief in scarlet robes,
carrying the sacred fire upon a silver furnace. Next appeared an empty
chariot consecrated to Oromasdes, decorated with garlands, and drawn by
white steeds harnessed with gold. This was followed by a magnificent
large horse, his forehead flaming with gems, in honour of Mithras. Then
came the Band of Immortals, and the royal kindred, their Median vests
blazing with embroidery and gold. Artaxerxes rode in an ivory chariot,
richly inlaid with precious stones. He was followed by a long line of
nobles, riding on camels splendidly caparisoned; and their countless
attendants closed the train. This gorgeous retinue slowly ascended
Mount Orontes. When they arrived upon its summit, the chief of the Magii
assumed his tiara interwoven with myrtle, and hailed the first beams of
the rising sun with sacrifice. Then each of the Magii in turns sung
orisons to Oromasdes, by whose eternal power the radiant Mithras had
been sent to gladden the earth, and preserve the principle of life.
Finally, they all joined in one universal chorus, while king, princes,
and nobles, prostrated themselves, and adored the Fountain of Light.
At that solemn moment, a tiger leaped from an adjoining thicket, and
sprung toward the king. But ere the astonished courtiers had time to
breathe, a javelin from some unknown hand passed through the ferocious
animal, and laid him lifeless in the dust.
Eudora had watched the procession from the house-top; and at this moment
she thought she perceived hurried and confused movements, of which her
attendants could give no explanation.
The splendid concourse returned toward the palace in the same order that
it had ascended the mountain. But next to the royal chariot there now
appeared a young man on a noble steed, with a golden chain about his
neck, and two heralds by his side, who ever and anon blew their
trumpets, and proclaimed, "This is Philæmon of Athens, whom the king
delighteth to honour?"
Eudora understood the proclamation imperfectly; but afar off, she
recognized the person of her lover. As they passed the house, she saw
Hylax running to and fro on the top of the wall, barking, and jumping,
and wagging his tail, as if he too were conscious of the vicinity of
some familiar friend. The dog evidently arrested Philæmon's attention;
for he observed him closely, and long continued to look back and watch
his movements.
A tide of sweet and bitter recollections oppressed the maiden's heart; a
deadly paleness overspread her cheeks; a suffocating feeling choked her
voice; and had it not been for a sudden gush of tears, she would have
fallen.
When her father returned, he informed her that the life of Artaxerxes
had been saved by the promptitude and boldness of Philæmon, who
happened to perceive the tiger sooner than any other person at the
festival. He added, "I saw Philæmon after the rescue, but we had brief
opportunity to discourse together. I think his secluded habits have
prevented him from hearing that I found a daughter in Athens. He told me
he intended soon to return to his native country, and promised to be my
guest for a few days before he departed. Furthermore, my child, the
Great King, in the fulness of his regal bounty, last night sent a
messenger to demand you in marriage for his son Xerxes."
He watched her countenance, as he spoke; but seemed doubtful how to
understand the fluctuating colour. Still keeping his scrutinizing gaze
fixed upon her, he continued, "Artaminta, this is an honour not to be
lightly rejected; to be princess of Persia now, and hereafter perhaps
its queen."
In some confusion, the maiden answered, "Perhaps the prince may not
approve his father's choice."
"No, Artaminta; the prince has chosen for himself. He sent his sister to
obtain a view of my newly discovered daughter; and he himself saw you,
as you stood on the terrace unveiled."
In an agitated voice, Eudora asked, "And must I be compelled to obey the
commands of the king?"
"Unless it should be his gracious pleasure to dispense with obedience,"
replied Artaphernes. "I and all my household are his servants. I pray
Oromasdes that you may never have greater troubles than the fear of
becoming a princess."
"But you forget, my dear father, that Parysatis told me her brother
Xerxes was effeminate and capricious, and had a new idol with every
change of the moon. Some fairer face would soon find favour in his
sight; and I should perhaps be shut up with hundreds of forgotten
favourites, in the old harem, among silly women and ugly slaves."
Her father answered, in an excited tone, "Artaminta, if you had been
brought up with more becoming seclusion, like those silly Persian women,
you would perhaps have known, better than you now seem to do, that a
woman's whole duty is submission."
Eudora had never heard him speak so harshly. She perceived that his
parental ambition was roused, and that her indifference to the royal
proposal displeased him. The tears fell fast, as she replied, "Dear
father, I will obey you, even if you ask me to sacrifice my life, at the
command of the king."
Her tears touched the feelings of the kind old man. He embraced her
affectionately, saying, "Do not weep, daughter of my beloved Antiope. It
would indeed gratify my heart to see you Queen of Persia; but you shall
not be made wretched, if my interest with the Great King can prevent
it. All men praise his justice and moderation; and he has pledged his
royal word to grant anything I ask, in recompense for services rendered
in Greece. The man who has just saved his life can no doubt obtain any
favour. But reflect upon it well, my daughter. Xerxes has no son; and
should you give birth to a boy, no new favourite could exclude you from
the throne. Perhaps Philæmon was silent from other causes than ignorance
of your arrival in Persia; and if this be the case, you may repent a too
hasty rejection of princely love."
Eudora blushed like crimson, and appeared deeply pained by this
suggestion; but she made no answer. Artaphernes departed, promising to
seek a private audience with the king; and she saw him no more that
night. When she laid her head upon the pillow, a mind troubled with many
anxious thoughts for a long time prevented repose; and when she did sink
to sleep, it was with a confused medley of ideas, in which the
remembrance of Philæmon's love was mixed up with floating visions of
regal grandeur, and proud thoughts of a triumphant marriage, now placed
within her power, should he indeed prove as unforgiving and indifferent,
as her father had suggested.
In her sleep, she saw Philothea; but a swift and turbid stream appeared
to roll between them; and her friend said, in melancholy tones, "You
have left me, Eudora; and I cannot come to you, now. Whence are these
dark and restless waters, which separate our souls?"
Then a variety of strange scenes rapidly succeeded each other--all
cheerless, perturbed, and chaotic. At last, she seemed to be standing
under the old grape-vine, that shaded the dwelling of Anaxagoras, and
Philæmon crowned her with a wreath of myrtle. In the morning, soon after
she had risen from her couch, Artaphernes came to her apartment, and
mildly asked if she still wished to decline the royal alliance. He
evinced no displeasure when she answered in the affirmative; but quietly
replied, "It may be that you have chosen a wise part, my child; for true
it is, that safety and contentment rarely take up their abode with
princes. But now go and adorn yourself with your richest apparel; for
the Great King requires me to present you at the palace, before the hour
of noon. Let your Greek costume be laid aside; for I would not have my
daughter appear like a foreigner, in the presence of her king."
With a palpitating heart, Eudora resigned herself into the hands of her
Persian tire-women, who so loaded her with embroidery and gems, that she
could scarcely support their weight.
She was conveyed to the palace in a cedar carriage, carefully screened
from observation. Her father rode by her side, and a numerous train of
attendants followed. Through gates of burnished brass, they entered a
small court with a tesselated pavement of black and white marble. Thence
they passed into a long apartment, with walls of black marble, and
cornices heavily gilded. The marble was so highly polished, that Eudora
saw the light of her jewels everywhere reflected like sunbeams.
Surprised by the multiplied images of herself and attendants, she did
not at first perceive, through the net-work of her veil, that a young
man stood leaning against the wall, with his arms folded. This
well-remembered attitude attracted her attention, and she scarcely
needed a glance to assure her it was Philæmon.
It being contrary to Persian etiquette to speak without license within
hearing of the royal apartments, the Athenian merely smiled, and bowed
gracefully to Artaphernes; but an audible sigh escaped him, as he
glanced at the Greek attendants. Eudora hastily turned away her head,
when he looked toward her; but her heart throbbed so violently that
every fold of her veil trembled. They continued thus in each other's
presence many minutes; one in a state of perfect unconsciousness, the
other suffering an intensity of feeling, that seemed like the condensed
excitement of years. At last a herald came to say it was now the
pleasure of the Great King to receive them in the private court, opening
into the royal gardens.
The pavement of this court was of porphyry inlaid with costly marbles,
in various hieroglyphics. The side connected with the palace was adorned
with carved open-work, richly painted and gilded, and with jasper
tablets, alternately surmounted by a golden ram and a winged lion; one
the royal ensign of Persia, the other emblematic of the Assyrian empire
conquered by Cyrus. The throne was placed in the centre, under a canopy
of crimson, yellow, and blue silk, tastefully intermingled and
embroidered with silver and gold. Above this was an image of the sun,
with rays so brilliant, that it dazzled the eyes of those who looked
upon it.
The monarch seemed scarcely beyond the middle age, with long flowing
hair, and a countenance mild and dignified. On his right hand stood
Xerxes--on his left, Darius and Sogdianus; and around him were a
numerous band of younger sons; all wearing white robes, with jewelled
vests of Tyrian purple.
As they entered, the active buzzing of female voices was heard behind
the gilded open-work of the wall; but this was speedily silenced by a
signal from the herald. Artaphernes prostrated himself, till his
forehead touched the pavement; Eudora copied his example; but Philæmon
merely bowed low, after the manner of the Athenians. Artaxerxes bade
them arise, and said, in a stern tone, "Artaphernes, has thy daughter
prepared herself to obey our royal mandate? Or is she still contemptuous
of our kingly bounty?"
Eudora trembled; and her father again prostrated himself, as he replied:
"O great and benignant king! mayest thou live forever. May Oromandes
bless thee with a prosperous reign, and forever avert from thee the
malignant influence of Arimanius. I and my household are among the least
of thy servants. May the hand that offends thee be cut off, and cast to
unclean dogs."
"Arise, Artaphernes!" said the monarch: "Thy daughter has permission to
speak."
Eudora, awed by the despotic power and august presence of Artaxerxes,
spoke to her father, in a low and tremulous voice, and reminded him of
the royal promise to grant whatever he might ask."
Philæmon turned eagerly, and a sudden flush mantled his cheeks, when he
heard the pure Attic dialect, "with its lovely marriage of sweet
sounds."
"What does the maiden say?" inquired the king. Artaphernes again paid
homage, and answered; "O Light of the World! Look in mercy upon the
daughter of thy servant, and grant that her petition may find favour in
thy sight. As yet, she hath not gained a ready utterance of the Persian
language--honoured and blessed above all languages, in being the
messenger of thy thoughts, O king. Therefore she spoke in the Greek
tongue, concerning thy gracious promise to grant unto the humblest of
thy servants whatsoever he might ask at thy hands."
Then the monarch held forth his golden sceptre, and replied, "Be it unto
thee, as I have said. I have sought thy daughter in marriage for Xerxes,
prince of the empire. What other boon does Artaphernes ask of the king?"
The Persian approached, and reverently touching the point of the
sceptre, answered: "O King of kings! before whom the nations of the
earth do tremble. Thy bounty is like the overflowing Nilus, and thy
mercy refreshing as dew upon the parched earth. If it be thy pleasure, O
King, forgive Artaminta, my daughter, if she begs that the favour of the
prince, like the blessed rays of Mithras, may fall upon some fairer
damsel. I pray thee have her excused."
Xerxes looked up with an angry frown; but his royal father replied, "The
word of the king is sacred; and his decree changeth not. Be it unto thee
even as thou wilt."
Then turning to Philæmon, he said: "Athenian stranger, our royal life
preserved by thy hand deserves a kingly boon. Since our well beloved son
cannot find favour in the eyes of this damsel, we bestow her upon thee.
Her father is one of the illustrious Pasargadæ, and her ancestors were
not unremotely connected with the princes of Media. We have never looked
upon her countenance--deeming it wise to copy the prudent example of our
cousin Cyrus; but report describes her beautiful as Panthea."
Eudora shrunk from being thus bestowed upon Philæmon; and she would have
said this to her father, had he not checked the first half-uttered word
by a private signal.
With extreme confusion, the Athenian bowed low, and answered, "Pardon
me, O King, and deem me not insensible of thy royal munificence. I pray
thee bestow the daughter of the princely Artaphernes upon one more
worthy than thy servant."
"Now, by the memory of Cyrus!" exclaimed Artaxerxes, "The king's favours
shall this day be likened unto a beggar, whose petitions are rejected at
every gate."
Then, turning to his courtiers, he added: "A proud nation are these
Greeks! When the plague ravaged all Persia and Media, Hippocrates of Cos
refused our entreaties, and scorned our royal bounty; saying he was born
to serve his own countrymen, and not foreigners. Themistocles, on whom
our mighty father bestowed the revenues of cities, died, rather than
fight for him against Athens; and lo! here is a young Athenian, who
refuses a maiden sought by the Persian prince, with a dowry richer than
Pactolus.
Philæmon bowed himself reverently, and replied: "Deem not, O king, that
I am moved by Grecian pride; for well I know that I am all unworthy of
this princely alliance. An epistle lately received from Olympia makes it
necessary for me to return to Greece; where, O king, I seek a beloved
maiden, to whom I was betrothed before my exile."
Eudora had trembled violently, and her convulsive breathing was audible,
while Philæmon spoke; but when he uttered the last words, forgetful of
the reverence required of those who stood in the presence of majesty,
she murmured, "Oh, Philothea!" and sunk into the arms of her father.
The young man started; for now, not only the language, but the tones
were familiar to his heart. As the senseless form was carried into the
garden, he gazed upon it with an excited and bewildered expression.
Artaxerxes smiled, as he said: "Athenian stranger, the daughter of
Artaphernes, lost on the coast of Ionia, was discovered in the household
of Phidias, and the Greeks called her Eudora."
Philæmon instantly knelt at the monarch's feet, and said, "Pardon me, O
king. I was ignorant of all this. I ----"
He would have explained more fully; but Artaxerxes interrupted him; "We
know it all, Athenian stranger--we know it all. You have refused
Artaminta, and now we bestow upon you Eudora, with the revenues of
Magnesia and Lampsacus for her dowry."
Before the next moon had waned, a magnificent marriage was celebrated in
the court of audience, opening into the royal gardens. On a shining
throne, in the midst of a stately pavilion, was seated Artaxerxes,
surrounded by the princes of the empire. Near the throne stood Philæmon
and Eudora. Artaphernes placed the right hand of the bride within the
right hand of the bridegroom, saying, "Philæmon of Athens, I bestow upon
thee, Artaminta, my daughter, with my estates in Pasagarda, and five
thousand darics as her dowry."
The chief of the Magii bore sacred fire on a silver censer, and the
bridal couple passed slowly around it three times, bowing reverently to
the sacred emblem of Mithras. Then the bridegroom fastened a golden
jewel about the bride's neck, and they repeated certain words, promising
fidelity to each other. The nuptial hymn was sung by six handsome
youths, and as many maidens, clothed in white garments, with a purple
edge.
Numerous lamps were lighted in the trees, making the gardens bright as
noon. Women belonging to the royal household, and to the most favoured
of the nobility, rode through the groves and lawns, in rich pavilions,
on the backs of camels and white elephants. As the huge animals were led
along, fireworks burst from under their feet, and playing for a moment
in the air, with undulating movements, fell in a sparkling shower.
Artaxerxes gave a luxurious feast, which lasted seven days; during which
time the Queen entertained her guests with equal splendour, in the
apartments of the women.
The Athenian decree against those of foreign parentage had been repealed
in favour of young Pericles; but in that country everything was in a
troubled and unsettled state; and Artaphernes pleaded hard to have his
daughter remain in Persia.
It was therefore decided that the young couple should reside at
Pasagarda, situated in a fertile valley, called the Queen's Girdle,
because its revenues were appropriated to that costly article of the
royal wardrobe. This pleasant city had once been the favourite residence
of Cyrus the Great, and a plain obelisk in the royal gardens marked his
burial-place. The adjacent promontory of Taoces afforded a convenient
harbour for Tyrian merchants, and thus brought in the luxuries of
Phoenicia, while it afforded opportunities for literary communication
between the East and the West. Here were celebrated schools under the
direction of the Magii, frequently visited by learned men from Greece,
Ethiopia, and Egypt.
Philæmon devoted himself to the quiet pursuits of literature; and
Eudora, happy in her father, husband and children, thankfully
acknowledged the blessings of her lot.
Her only daughter, a gentle maiden, with plaintive voice and earnest
eyes, bore the beloved name of Philothea.
APPENDIX
_Zeus_--The Jupiter of the Romans.
_Zeus Xenius_--Jupiter the Hospitable.
_Hera_--Juno.
_Pallas_--Minerva.
_Pallas Athena_--An ancient appellation of Minerva, from which Athens
took its name.
_Pallas Parthenia_--Pallas the Virgin.
_Pallas Promachos_--Pallas the Defender.
_Phoebus_--The Apollo of the Romans; the Sun.
_Phoebus Apollo_--Phoebus the Destroyer, or the Purifier.
_Phoebe_--Diana; the Moon.
_Artemis_--Diana.
_Agrotera_--Diana the Huntress.
_Orthia_--Name of Diana among the Spartans.
_Poseidon_--Neptune.
_Aphrodite_--Venus.
_Urania_--The Heavenly Venus. The same name was applied to the Muse of
Astronomy.
_Eros_--Cupid.
_Hermes_--Mercury.
_Demeter_--Ceres.
_Persephone_--Proserpine.
_Dionysus_--Bacchus.
_Pandamator_--A name of Vulcan, signifying the All-subduing.
_Mnemosyne_--Goddess of Memory.
_Chloris_--Flora.
_Asclepius_--Esculapius.
_Rhamnusia_--Name of a statue of Nemesis, goddess of Vengeance; so
called because it was in the town of Rhamnus.
_Polydeuces_--Pollux.
_Leto_--Latona.
_Taraxippus_--A deity whose protection was implored at Elis, that no
harm might happen to the horses.
_Erinnys_--The Eumenides, or Furies.
_Naiades_--Nymphs of Rivers, Springs, and Fountains.
_Nereides_--Nymphs of the Sea.
_Oreades_--Nymphs of the Mountains.
_Dryades_--Nymphs of the Woods.
_Oromasdes_--Persian name for the Principle of Good.
_Mithras_--Persian name for the Sun.
_Arimanius_--Persian name for the Principle of Evil.
_Odysseus_--Ulysses.
_Achilleus_-Achilles.
_Cordax_--An immodest comic dance.
_Agora_--A Market House.
_Prytaneum_--The Town House.
_Deigma_--A place in the Piræus, corresponding to the modern Exchange.
_Clepsydra_--A Water-dial.
_Cotylæ_--A measure. Some writers say one third of a quart; others much
less.
_Arytana_--A small cup.
_Arabyllus_--A vase, wide at bottom and narrow at top.
_Archons_--Chief Magistrates of Athens.
_Prytanes_--Magistrates who presided over the Senate.
_Phylarchi_--Sheriffs.
_Epistates_--Chairman, or speaker.
_Hippodrome_--The Horse-course.
_Stadium_--Thirty-six and a half rods.
_Obulus_, (plural _Oboli_)--A small coin, about the value of a penny.
_Drachma_, (plural _Drachmæ_)--About ten-pence sterling.
_Mina_, (plural _Minæ_)--Four pounds, three shillings, four pence.
_Stater_--A gold coin; estimated at about twelve shillings, three pence.
_Daric_--A Persian gold coin, valued one pound, twelve shillings, three
pence.
(All the above coins are estimated very differently by different writers.)
* * * * *
"The midnight procession of the Panathenæa." p. 11.
This festival in honour of Pallas was observed early in the summer,
every fifth year, with great pomp.
"The Sacred Peplus." p. 12.
This was a white garment consecrated to Pallas, on which the actions of
illustrious men were represented in golden embroidery.
"Festival of Torches." p. 15.
In honour of Prometheus. The prize was bestowed on him who ran the
course without extinguishing his torch.
"Six months of seclusion within the walls of the Acropolis, were
required of the Canephoræ." p. 22.
Maidens of the first families were selected to embroider the sacred
peplus. The two principal ones were called Canephoræ, because they
carried baskets in the Panathenaic procession.
"Fountain of Byblis." p. 33.
This name was derived from a young Ionian, passionately fond of her
brother Caunus, for whom she wept till she was changed into a fountain,
near Miletus.
"During the festivities of the Dionysia." p. 42.
This festival, in honour of Dionysus, was observed with great splendour.
Choragic games are supposed to have been celebrated; in which prizes
were given to the successful competitors in music, and the drama.
"The tuneful soul of Marsyas." p. 43.
Marsyas was a celebrated musician of Phrygia, generally considered the
inventor of the flute.
"Contest between fighting quails." p. 43.
In Athens, quails were pitched against each other, in the same manner as
game-cocks among the moderns.
"Pericles withdrew a rose from the garland." p. 44.
This flower was sacred to Silence. The ancients often suspended it above
the table at feasts, to signify that what was said _sub rosa_ was not to
be repeated.
"A life-time as long as that conferred upon the namesake of Tithonus."
p. 46.
It is related of him, that he asked and obtained the gift of immortality
in this world; but unfortunately forgot to ask for youth and vigour.
"Eleusinian Mysteries." p. 47.
Ceremonies at Eleusis, in honour of Demeter, observed with great
secrecy. Those who were initiated were supposed to be peculiarly under
the protection of the gods.
"Model for the sloping roof of the Odeum." p. 54.
Pericles was usually represented with a helmet, to cover the deformity
in his skull. It was jestingly said that the model for the Odeum was
from his own head.
"Patriotic song of Callistratus." p. 56.
Translated from the Greek, by the Rt. Rev. G. W. Doane, Bishop of New
Jersey.
"While our rosy fillets shed," &c. p. 57.
The 43d Ode of Anacreon. This and other extracts from the same poet are
translated by Thomas Moore, Esq.
"All ending in ippus and ippides." p. 61.
Ippus is the Greek for horse. Wealthy Athenians generally belonged to
the equestrian order; to which the same ideas of honour were attached as
to the knights, or cavaliers, of modern times. Their names often
signified some quality of a horse; as Leucippus, a white horse, &c.
"Describing her pompous sacrifices to Demeter." p. 64.
None but Greeks were allowed to enter the temples of this goddess.
"Urania alone confers the beauty-giving zone." p. 69.
Urania was the Heavenly Venus, who presided over the pure sentiment of
love, in distinction from Aphrodite, who presided over the sensual
passion.
"The Pleiades mourning for their lost sister." p. 74.
One of the stars in the constellation of the Pleiades is said to have
disappeared. They were fabled as seven sisters, and one lost her place
in the sky by marrying a mortal.
"More happy than the gods is he." p. 75.
Second Ode of Sappho, translated by F. Fawkes, Esq.
"He has clothed the Graces." p. 76.
Socrates was originally a sculptor. He carved a beautiful group of the
Graces; said to have been the first that were represented with clothing.
"Too frugal to buy coloured robes." p. 76.
The common people in Athens generally bought white garments, for the
economy of having them dyed when they were defaced.
"Every human being has, like Socrates, an attendant spirit." p. 89.
In the Phoedrus of Plato, Socrates is represented as saying, "When I was
about to cross the river, a demoniacal and usual sign was given me; and
whenever this takes place, it always prohibits me from accomplishing
what I was about to do. In the present instance, I seemed to hear a
voice, which would not suffer me to depart till I had made an expiation;
as if I had offended in some particular a divine nature."
"His statue stands among the Olympionicæ." p. 92.
The victors at the Olympic Games had their statues placed in the groves.
These statues were called Olympionicæ.
"Count me on the summer trees." p. 98.
Part of the 14th Ode of Anacreon.
"As soon would I league myself with Odomantians." p. 112.
The Odomantians of Thrace, near the river Strymon, had the same
grasping, avaricious character, attributed to the Jews in modern times.
"Concealed their frauds amid the flames of the Treasury." p. 113.
The Treasury in Athens was burned to the ground, by the Treasurers, who
took that method to avoid being called to account for the money they had
embezzled.
"That comes of having the Helots among them." p. 116.
The freemen of Sparta were forbidden the exercise of any mechanical or
laborious employment. All these duties devolved upon the Helots; while
their masters spent their time in dancing, feasting, hunting, and
fighting.
"He approves the law forbidding masters to bestow freedom." p. 117.
There was a Spartan law forbidding masters to emancipate their slaves.
About two thousand, who were enfranchised by a public decree, for having
bravely defended the country during the Peloponessian war, soon after
disappeared suddenly, and were supposed to have been secretly murdered.
"Whip them, merely to remind them of bondage." p. 117.
The Helots were originally a brave people; but after they were conquered
by the Spartans, no pains were spared to render them servile and
degraded. Once a year they publicly received a severe flagellation,
merely to remind them that they were slaves. They were never allowed to
learn any liberal art, or to sing manly songs. In order to expose them
to greater contempt, they were often obliged to perform indecent dances,
and to get brutally drunk, that their master's children might learn to
despise such uncomely things.
"Things as trifling as the turning of a shell." p. 120.
This was an Athenian proverb, applied to things that were done quickly,
or changed easily.
"You must indeed wrestle at Cynosarges." p. 120.
This was a name of Hercules; and because he was illegitimate, it was
applied to a place near the Lyceum, where those of half Athenian blood,
were wont to exercise in gymnastic sports. Themistocles, being partly of
foreign extraction, induced the young Athenian nobles to go there and
wrestle with him, that the distinction might be done away.
"Festival Anthesteria." 120.
In honour of Dionysus. The best drinker was rewarded with a golden crown
and a cask of wine; and none but Athenians were allowed to enter the
theatre.
"Which he inscribed Demos." p. 131.
A phrase signifying the People, or the Democracy.
"Sing their welcome to Ornithæ." p. 134,
This name was applied to a wind that blew in the spring, at the time
when the birds began to return. It was a Grecian custom for children to
go about with garlands from door to door, singing a welcome to the
swallows, and receiving trifling presents in return.
"The marble sent by Darius." p. 136.
The Persians were so confident of victory that they brought with them
marble to erect a trophy on the plains of Marathon. From this marble
Phidias sculptured a statue of Vengeance, which was called Rhamnusia.
"Filled my pillow with fresh laurel leaves." p. 143.
Phoebus was supposed to inspire dreams and prophecy; and the laurel
which was sacred to him, was supposed to be endowed with similar
properties.
"Like one returned from the cave of Trophonius." p. 147.
In this cave was a celebrated oracle. Those who entered it always
returned pale and dejected.
"Psyche bending over the sleeping Eros." p. 150.
This beautiful fable represents the union of the human soul with
immortal love. Pysche was warned that separation would be the
consequence, if she looked on the countenance of her divine lover. She
gazed on his features as he slept; and was left to sorrow alone.
"Even the Diasia are no longer observed." p. 154.
Festivals in honour of Zeus, because he delivered men from misfortunes
and dangers.
"When the Muses and the Charities inhabit the same temple." p. 160.
Among the Greeks, the Graces were called the Charities. It was a
beautiful idea thus to deify the moral, rather than the outward graces;
and to represent innocent and loving nymphs, forever hand in hand,
presiding over kind and gentle actions. The Graces were often worshipped
in the same temple with the Muses.
"Olive garlands suspended on the doors." p. 185.
This was a common practice during the festival of Thargelia, in honour
of Phoebus.
"Gently touched the back part of his head with a small wand." p. 202.
That the phenomena of animal magnetism were not entirely unknown to the
ancients, appears by what Clearchus relates of an experiment tried in
the presence of Aristotle. He speaks of a man who, by means of "a
soul-attracting wand," let the soul out of a sleeping lad, and left the
body insensible. When the soul was again led into the body, it related
all that had happened to it.
"The laws of the country made it impossible to accompany her beloved
husband." p. 206.
No woman was allowed to enter Olympia, during the celebration of the
games.
"Deemed he had fallen by the dart of Phoebus Apollo." p. 208.
Those who died very suddenly were supposed to have been struck with the
arrows of Phoebus, or his sister.
"Its best pleasures are like the gardens of Adonis." p. 213.
When the annual procession formed to mourn the death of Adonis, earth
was placed in shells, and lettuce planted in it, in commemoration of
Adonis laid out on a bed of lettuces. These shells were called the
Gardens of Adonis. Their freshness soon withered, on account of the
shallowness of the earth.
"Rather gain one prize from the Choragus than ten from the Gymnasiarch."
p. 219.
The first presided over musical and literary competition; the last over
athletic games.
"The statue of Persephone, (that ominous bridal gift.)" p. 226.
While Persephone was gathering flowers, she was seized by Pluto, and
carried to the regions of the dead, over which she presided. Hence the
hair of the deceased was consecrated to her, and her name invoked at
funerals.
"Milza sneezed aloud." p. 227.
This was considered a lucky omen; particularly if the sound came from
the direction of the right hand.
"He will trust to Hermes to help him." p. 239.
Hermes was the god of lies and fraud.
"Have I told you all my flames." p. 241.
Part of the 14th ode of Anacreon.
"Threatened to appeal to the magistrates for another master." p. 250.
The Athenian slave laws were much more mild than modern codes. If a
servant complained of being abused, his master had no power to retain
him.
"Build the wall of Hipparchus." p. 251.
A wall built round the Academia by Hipparchus was so expensive that it
became a proverb applied to all costly undertakings.
"One of the slaves whose modesty Alcibiades had insulted." p. 251.
Slaves that were either personally abused, or insulted, took refuge in
the Temple of Theseus, and could not be compelled to return to those of
whom they complained.
"These brooks are Creüsa's tears." p. 253.
Ion was the son of Phoebus and Creüsa. His mother, to avoid her father's
displeasure, concealed the birth of the infant, and hid him in the
grotto, which afterwards bore her name. The child was preserved, and
brought up in the temple of Phoebus.
"She does not speak like one brought up at the gates." p. 254.
The lower classes of tradesmen were generally placed near the gates.
"One of the illustrious Pasargadæ." p. 280.
These were the noblest families in Persia.
* * * * *
In some unimportant matters, I have not adhered strictly to dates;
deeming this an allowable freedom in a work so purely romantic, relating
to times so ancient.
I am aware that the Christian spirit is sometimes infused into a Grecian
form; and in nothing is this more conspicuous than the representation of
love as a pure sentiment rather than a gross passion.
Greek names for the deities were used in preference to the Roman,
because the latter have become familiarized by common and vulgar use.
If there be errors in the application of Greek names and phrases, my
excuse must be an entire want of knowledge in the classic languages.
But, like the ignoramus in the Old Drama, I can boast, "Though I _speak_
no Greek, I love the _sound_ on't."