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THE NOWROOSE. 
favour on the humblest class of his subjects, addressing the throng 
in these terms: 
This is a new day, of a new month, of a new year ! I have 
thus arranged the time, and call you together, that we may be 
the better enabled to follow nature in her progress. Also, to 
cement those ties closer which have hitherto united us ; and, 
like the inseparable succession of the seasons, to enjoy in our 
hearts those blessings which unity ensures.” 
On the second day of the festival, he rewarded his counsellors, 
and ministers ; on the third, he dealt out similar benefits to the 
learned and skilful; the fourth was appropriated to the reception 
of his royal relations, and the general mass of nobility ; whilst the 
two remaining days, were dedicated to universal rejoicing, feasting, 
and shows. Thus far, the accounts of the poet Ferdoussi, and the 
few scattered fragments of history, from which he drew his tale. 
But in the festival itself, which is on all sides acknowledged to 
be of so ancient a celebration, that tradition must go back to 
the patriarchal ages for its institution ; and from its being found 
near the very spot whence the descent from the ark was made; 
I must own that I see sufficient evidence to admit the proba¬ 
bility that it even originated with, or rather was re-appointed 
by, the venerable antediluvian Patriarch himself. In this light, 
it may be an interesting subject to all mankind ; as’a memorial of 
the creation of the world in six days, of the first spring to man, 
of the general equality of his race; excepting the filial homage, 
due to its paternal head; who, before the flood, might at the 
great anniversary of the world’s birth, have thus called the 
fathers of the families of the earth together, to remind them 
whence they sprung. In such a case, there can be no doubt 
that Noah would receive the sacred ordinance, in a direct line 
