THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 173 



hind legs are confined by cords of twisted hair, fast- 

 ened to iron rings and pegs, driven into the earth. The 

 same custom prevailed in the time of Xenophon, and 

 for the same reason : to secure them from attacking, 

 and maiming each other. As a further precaution, 

 their keepers always sleep on the rugs amongst them ; 

 but sometimes, notwithstanding all this care, they break 

 loose, and then the combat ensues. A general neigh- 

 ing, screaming, kicking, and snorting, soon rouses the 

 grooms, and the scene for awhile is terrible. Indeed 

 no one can conceive the sudden uproar of such a mo- 

 ment, who has not been in Eastern countries to hear it. 

 They seize, bite, and kick each other, with the most 

 determined fury, and frequently cannot be separated 

 before their heads and haunches stream with blood. 

 Even in skirmishes with the natives, the horses take 

 part in the fray, tearing each other with their teeth, 

 while their masters are at similar close quarters on 

 their backs. 



The ancient Persians sedulously taught their chil- 

 dren three things : to ride, to shoot with the bow, and 

 to speak the truth. Their modern descendants never 

 speak the truth when they can help it ; archers they 

 are not, although notorious for drawing the long bow ; 

 but horsemanship is still in great esteem amongst them. 

 The following amusing anecdote is related by Sir John 

 Malcolm : 

 .*' Before the year 1800," he says, " no political mis- 



