Page:History of Greece Vol IV.djvu/235

CHARACTER OF THE PERSIANS. 217 that of insupportable cold, this was only because the early kings discouraged such a movement, in order that the nation might maintain its military hardihood, 1 and be in a situation to furnish undiminished supplies of soldiers. The self-esteem and arrogance of the Persians was no less re- markable than their avidity for sensual enjoyment. They were ibnd of wrne to excess ; their wives and their concubines were both numerous ; and they adopted eagerly from foreign nations new fashions of luxury as well as of ornament. Even to nov- elties in religion, they were not strongly averse ; for though they were disciples of Zoroaster, with magi as their priests, and as indispensable companions of their sacrifices, worshipping Sun, Moon, Earth, Fire, etc., and recognizing neither image, temple, .ior altar, yet they had adopted the voluptuous worship of the goddess Mylitta from the Assyrians and Arabians. A numerous male offspring was the Persian's boast, and his warlike character and consciousness of force were displayed in the education of these youths, who were taught, from five years old to twenty, only three things, to ride, to shoot with the bow, and to speak the truth. 2 To owe money, or even to buy and sell, was ac- counted among the Persians disgraceful, a -sentiment which they defended by saying, that both the one and the other im- posed the necessity of telling falsehood. To exact tribute from subjects, to receive pay or presents from the king, and to give away without forethought whatever was not immediately wanted, was their mode of dealing with money. Industrious pursuits were left to the conquered, who were fortunate if by paying a fixed contribution, and sending a military contingent when required, they could purchase undisturbed immunity for their remaining concerns. 3 They could not thus purchase safety for the family 1 Herodot. ix, 122. 2 The modern Persians at this day exhibit almost matchless ski 1 in shooting with the firelock, as well as with the bow, on horseback. See Sir John Malcolm, Sketches of Persia, ch. xvii, p. 201 ; see also Kinneir, Geo- graphical Memoir of the Persian Empire, p. 32. 3 About the attributes of the Persian character, see Herodot. i, 131-140: con i pare i, 153. He expresses himself very strongly as to the facility with which the Persians : mbibed foreign customs, and especially foreign luxuries (i, 135), VOL. IV. 10