THE PALACE OF FORTY PILLARS. 
597 
perhaps, the most interesting empire of the earth, I shall sub- 
join what Xenophon narrates of the change of dress which Cyrus 
introduced amongst the leading people of his native Persia, 
when he united that kingdom with the realm of Media. “ Cyrus 
was of opinion that princes should not only excel those under 
their dominion in virtues, but in appearance also. Hence he 
chose to wear the Median robe, and persuaded the companions 
of his exploits to do the same; urging, that if a man had a 
defect in his person, the flowing drapery concealed it; and if he 
were of fine proportions, the nobleness of the dress added to the 
dignity of his stature. With this habit, they adopt a sort of 
buskin, between the sole of which and the foot, a small substance 
may be introduced to elevate the wearer to any increase of height 
he pleases. 
“ Cyrus also allowed his associates to colour their eyes, that 
they might seem to have finer eyes than the rest of the people, 
and gain respect from their beauty. He was careful however to 
keep their manners as severe and decent as before, exhorting 
them never to be seen to spit, or blow the nose, or to commit 
any other sort of irreverence before the people. When he made 
his first grand procession from his palace, he called around him 
all those, both Persians and others, who were high in command 
i 
under him, and distributed to them Median robes : it was then 
that the Persians first assumed that dress ; and when he had 
given the finest robes to the greatest men, he produced others 
of a less costly sort; but they were sufficiently gorgeous in colour, 
being scarlet, and purple, and crimson ; and presenting them to 
the chiefs he had already adorned, bade them dispose these as 
they pleased amongst their friends. So these men, going their 
ways, and sending for those most dear to them, arrayed them as 
