Idolatry and Philosophy of the Zabians. 209 
be seen from the mountain of Caf, and a rosy cloud in the sky mark- 
ed the position of the picture galleries of Arzhens. These happy 
abodes of the Peris, were appointed as the resting place for the good, 
the wise, and the great. Their mansions were built of diamonds 
and pearls, and the city is founded on a sapphire, the reflection of 
whose color tinges the sky. Around them are groves of oranges 
and limes, which are filled with the warbling of birds, and the mur- 
mur of brooks, at the close of day, ‘in the vale of Roses, 
“All calmly hush’d the winds had ceased to roam, 
“The trees scarce bent beneath their fond endeavour, 
“ The rolling rivers sought their ocean home, 
“All silently for ever and for ever 
“Soft beamed the moon, and thro’ the glade was heard, 
“The weary warblings of the watchful bird. 
“T passed through different groups unseen, by virtue of the ring that 
Perushan gave me in the woods of Kurdistaun; over every group 
happiness seemed to preside. I recognised the countenances of 
many ancient sages. The silver bells in the city rang happily, as 
they do on a bridal evening at Delhi, now their sound came full upon 
the ear, and then it was borne away by gales from the west. I saw 
those Houris who once lived in the garden of Eden, that are fed with 
manna by birds of Paradise, and drink water brought in purple shells 
from the sacred fountain of Mecca. I saw too, those angels who 
fell for the love of these, and who having suffered a sad punishment 
for centuries upon earth, were appointed to finish the term of their 
€xpiation in the city of Amberabad. ‘They were led about in fet- 
ters of gold, and were by far, the most beautiful of the shadows I 
Saw, except those lovely Houris, who were the cause of their sad 
transgression. I saw too, the road to Paradise ; it was one splendid 
blaze of gems, and was arched over with delightful trees, to be a 
shelter from the heat of the sun. Exactly on the opposite side of 
the city was the gate of Death; it was an ancient structure of enor- 
mous strength, built of massive ebony, with a covered archway of the 
same. A solemn silence announced our approach to it. We crossed 
the river of tears, but advanced no nearer. Perushan said that un- 
der the archway was a mazy labyrinth, obscured by delusive shadows 
anda misty gloom.”—( Confessions of a Peri.) 
In the clear expanse of the unruffled fountain, whose surface 
beautifully reflected surrounding objects, it was supposed that the 
Divs resided ; amid the inverted groves their palaces were supposed 
to be founded. Like their yielding habitation, their bodies were in 
Vol. XX VIII.—No. 2. 27 
