89 



In each, the governmcat was monarchical, and the mo- 

 narchy hereditary. They had written laws, and justice seems 

 to have been duly administered. Acts of violence were se- 

 verely punished. 



The sciences were assiduously cultivated, particularly as- 

 tronomy, by the Chaldeans and Babylonians, and the arts 

 seem to have reached a high degree of perfection. 



'I'hese are the most favourable sources of public happiness 

 that occur in their histories. 



But on the otiier hand their monarchs were despotic, and 

 and their despotism was often carried to the most extrava- 

 gant excesses ; one of them set up a golden statue, which he 

 commanded all nations to adore under the severest penalty.* 

 Another enacted that uo Cod should be prayed to for thirty 

 days but himself, j- 



Yet, notwithstanding the plenitude of their power, they 

 could not repeal their own decrees ; probably ^;o prevent re- 

 monstrances and petitions. 



Polygamy was permitted. Concubinage to an unlimited 

 extent universally practised, and the male sex essentially in- 

 jured ; thus the rights of both sexes were violaied.+ 



'^OL. XI. N Professions, 



* Daniel, chap 3. f Ibid. chap. 6. 



t The tirsl Darius had two wires. 



