292 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. [August, 1909. 
‘* Jeads to a talismanick diamond; this, with the assistance 
‘* of a’ most vigilant dragon, guards such inestimable. treasures 
“as baffle all description. A Persian who, two or three 
‘“‘ centuries ago, had crept through this subterraneous laby- 
‘‘rinth and obtained one momentary glance at the charkh 
‘“almas ( cplele ¢ 52 ), ‘Diamond of Fate,’’ was so 
** terrified and astonished at the vision, that he expired on his 
“return to the entrance before he could relate half the 
‘“‘ wonders of the cavern. I have reason to suspect that a 
“neighbouring passage has been, within some few years, 
‘* purposely obstructed by masses of stone, lest the treasures 
‘“‘ might become a prey to European infidels.’’ 
8. 
Translation oj an extract from the ‘* Asar-i-Ajam.’? . 
[A modern Persian Gazetteer of Fars.] 
“The Charkh-i-Almas is in the Takht-i-Jamshid, according 
“to a widespread belief among the common people. They 
‘ say that there is a chamber in which there is a wheel of fire, 
‘** and all who enter there must die. Anyone can hear the 
Tr 
‘* Anyone who sees the above-mentioned hole for himself will 
“understand that the stories of the common people are 
** nonsense.’ 
Ve 
Tae Oricry or tHe Name “ Mervpasut,’’ THe NAME 
OF THE PLAIN IN WHICH PERSEPOLIS STANDS. 
_It is said that the ruins of the buildings at Persepolis, 
known as the Takht-i-Jamshid, are not those of the actual 
