658 
THE FERWER, OR SECOND SELF. 
“ 86. While that resplendent thing [the prototype] remaineth 
in good condition, it is well also with its shadow. 
“ 37. When that resplendent object removeth far from its 
shadow, life fadeth away. 
“ 38. Again, that resplendent thing is the shadow of a light 
more resplendent than itself. 
“ 39. And so on, up to Mez, [Ormuzd] who is the light of 
lights.” -— Desatir, Book of Zerdusht. 
With the exception of the figure in the centre, the symbol of 
the wings and circle is precisely that which so often occurs over 
almost all the ancient temples of the East, designating Pro¬ 
vidence, and which is worshipped in Egypt under the name of 
the god Cneph. The circle of entwined serpents, bespeak Eter¬ 
nity and Wisdom, and the expanded wings, Ubiquity and pro¬ 
tective Goodness. Doubtless, the pride of many Persian mo- 
narchs would be flattered by the association of such lofty attributes 
of divinity, with their Ferwer, or second self; and believing 
themselves already half gods, they would disdain their duties as 
men. But there were others who might read a salutary lesson 
in this sublime emblem. Besides the sovereign properties of 
wisdom, omnipresence, and eternity, there was another, of 
ministration — protecting goodness, which was the most con¬ 
spicuous symbol of the whole; and therefore, only in its exer¬ 
cise, could a king prove his claim to the high attributes of 
wisdom and ubiquity, by a general watchfulness, through up¬ 
right ministers, over the welfare of his subjects ; by the enacting 
of just laws, and their impartial fulfilment; and by that univer¬ 
sal paternal conduct which gave Cyrus the name of “ Father of 
his People,” rendering it immortal on earth, while, with “ the 
spirits of the just made perfect,” we cannot doubt that he who 
