LAVENDER. 301 



country where it grows." The rebuke seem- 

 ed to have made deep impression on the 

 mind of the young prince, for when he had 

 conquered Arabia, he sent a ship laden witli 

 incense to Leonidas, with a charge to his 

 tutor to bestow it largely on the gods when 

 he sacrificed. 



The incense trees grew only in that part 

 of Arabia that was inhabited by the Sabaeans, 

 and so strict were their laws respecting them, 

 that no persons were permitted even to see 

 the trees, excepting those who had the charge 

 of them. The valley where they grew was 

 surrounded by mountains, and was situated 

 about eight days journey from Sabota (now 

 Sanaa) the capital, whither the incense was 

 conveyed on camels ; and it was forbidden, 

 on pain of death, to enter the city with this 

 drug, except at one particular gate, where 

 the priests took a tenth part for their god 

 Sabis, and no person could either buy or sell 

 it until this duty was discharged. The Ge- 

 banites were the only people allowed to 

 carry it out of the country. They also paid 

 a toll to their sovereign. It was taxed again 

 at Gaza, and by the time that the kings, the 

 priests, the secretaries, the wardens of the 

 temples, and the various officers, had levied 



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