42 
THE PERSIAN CHARACTER. 
the brother of the younger Cyrus; of whose changes Xenophon 
relates, “ The rules of the great Cyrus are no longer regarded, 
which taught the practice of Persian simplicity and temperance ; 
conforming only in dress to the elegance of the Medes. But 
now the severity of Persian demeanour is quite extinguished, and 
nothing is seen but the effeminacy and luxury of the Medes; 
new dishes are invented for the table, and sauces also, for cooks 
are provided to supply a variety in both.” This perversion was 
not likely to be reformed by the Macedonian conqueror, or his 
successors ; nor can we suppose much improvement nearer our 
own times, when we find the Sefi race painted their bacchana¬ 
lian orgies on the walls. Therefore, seeing what we see now, 
we must conclude that either the members of the court alone 
could be meant in these descriptions, or that a very extraordinary 
happy influence has been effected over all ranks, in so amazingly 
short a time as since the accession of the present family. But I 
am rather inclined to think, that the people at large have gener¬ 
ally been moderate ; and are now only following their ancient 
customs, with the additional sanction of an admirable example 
from the throne. Some, however, indulge in the inebriating 
powers of the vine; but so far from regarding it as a social plea¬ 
sure ; either from fear of exposure, or insensibility to its exhilar¬ 
ating effects, they retire secretly and alone ; and quaff bowl after 
bowl, until the solitary toper makes himself as happy as he in¬ 
tended, that is, perfectly stupidly drunk. This is the utmost a 
Persian can conceive of the enjoyment of wine ; and not being 
able to comprehend the gratification Europeans find in sipping its 
refreshing cordial from a small vessel, while animating the gentle 
stimulus with convivial conversation, his astonishment is un¬ 
bounded at hearing that the best company always rise sober from 
