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he then retired to the tent set apart for worship, where the ceremo- 

 nies continued until midnight: the malignant star had then lost its 

 influence, and the next morning opened brighter prospects. 



Cunning generally usurps the place of wisdom and prudence 

 in an oriental durbar; superstition assisted in Ragobah's councils, 

 and weakened a mind conscious of possessing unlimited power. 

 Its fatal effects are not confined to Asiatic courts; the page of his- 

 tory presents the same picture in every age : after the corruption 

 of the wise and free governments of Greece and Rome, with what 

 tyranny and wanton violations of justice and humanity are their 

 annals crowded! Although the limits of most Asiatic princes are 

 now comparatively small, yet is each licentious nabob too com- 

 monly the Nero or Tiberius of his own domain, and his con- 

 tracted court presents a scene of ambition, sensuality, and cruelty. 

 The oriental annals afford some amiable exceptions; Acber 

 stands high in the roll of fame, and vies in every princely virtue 

 with a Titus, and an Alfred; his memory is revered throughout 

 Hindostan. Often have I heard the wise and the good speak of this 

 emperor in as warm language and high colouring as we find in the 

 portrait of the son of Onias, one of the finest characters in ancient 

 history. I introduce it not only for its truth, but the beauty of 

 its figurative language. " How was he honoured among his 

 people! as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the 

 moon at the full: as the sun shining upon the temple of the Most 

 High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds ; as the 

 flowers of roses in the spring, and as lilies by the waters ; as fire 

 and incense in the censer, and a vessel of gold set with precious 



