no 
MORDECAIAND 
around his neck. The city of Susa rejoiced at his honours, and 
his high fortune became the glory of the Jews.” 
We have an answering account to this in the Book of Esther. 
“ Mordecai the Jew, was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great 
among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren ; 
seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his 
seed.” chap. x. ver. 3. 
“ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in 
royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, 
and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of 
Shushan rejoiced and was glad.” Book of Esther, chap.viii. ver. 15. 
The above account fully accords with the early custom of the 
Persian monarchs investing their ministers and favourites with 
splendid robes, chains, and golden ornaments. Also, from Xe¬ 
nophon’s representation, that death would be the punishment of 
any noble, however illustrious, assuming to himself the royal 
mixture of purple and white, we may gather the peculiar honour 
which was now bestowed on Mordecai. The custom of bestow¬ 
ing garments as marks of distinction, it may be remembered, is 
still maintained in Persia, in the gift of kalauts, or robes of 
favour. 
The inscription which encompasses the sarcophagus of Mor¬ 
decai, is to this effect: 
“ It is said by David, Preserve me, O God! I am now in thy 
presence. I have cried at the gate of heaven, that thou art my 
God; and what goodness I have received came from thee, O 
Lord ! 
“ Those whose bodies are now beneath in this earth, when 
animated by thy mercy, were great; and whatever happiness 
was bestowed upon them in this world, came from thee, O God ! 
