536 
BAHARAM AND HIS SON. 
heart subdued the heroine to woman in his presence. From that 
time, she appears to have become the partner of his glory as well 
as of his pleasures; and he associated her bust with his own on 
the coins of his empire. The son of their union is also seen on 
these coins, though now obliterated in the bas-relief; but from 
the primary authority of the Zeenut-ul-Tuarhh , so elegantly 
translated by Malcolm, I think it only completes the animation 
of the sculptured picture, to transcribe a few of the circumstances 
which, first from pitying tenderness, and then triumphant affec¬ 
tion, drew the young prince so conspicuously near each parent’s 
heart. 
44 Baharam had a beloved son, but who was considered an idiot. 
In vain the best masters endeavoured to instruct him ; he ap¬ 
peared incapable of all acquirements, and showed indifference to 
every earthly stimulus. One day his tutor came to the king in 
despair, and told him that he knew not what to do, for the young 
prince had added vice to stupidity. 4 I have detected him,’ cried 
the good man, 4 in an attempt to seduce the beautiful daughter of 
a peasant who dwells near our palace.’ Baharam’s countenance 
beamed with joy: — 4 Thank God !’ exclaimed he, 4 the clay is 
kindled!’ — and sending for the father of the young creature 
who had thus, in a manner, awakened his son to existence, he 
spoke to him in these terms : — 4 I do not seek to trifle with your 
honour ; but I tell you that your daughter may become the in¬ 
strument of this nation’s happiness. My son loves her, and her 
power over him may be unbounded. Bid her hold the power, 
and it will be infinite ; but teach her to arouse in him the desire 
of attaining manly perfection to obtain her. Infuse into her the 
virtuous ambition, to aim at this end; and she may, without 
danger to herself, give him sufficient encouragement to keep 
