696 
GRAVE OF SHEIK SADI. 
are not more mellifluous than the spirit they breathe is powerful 
to inspire virtue, and render it delightful. I am happy to be 
supported in this conviction of “ the high purposes” of poetry, 
by Sir William Malcolm, who, in writing on the same subject, 
describes the Sheik Sadi as a rare union of genius, learning, 
heroic principle, and tender sentiment. “ His tales,” our author 
observes, “ are appropriate to almost every event that can occur, 
conveying the most useful lessons ; and his maxims have acquired 
an authority over his countrymen that render them almost equal 
to laws ; for instance, — 
“ Alas ! for him who is gone, and has done no work: the 
trumpet of march has sounded, and his burthen was not bound 
on !” 
And again: — 
“ Be merciful, and thou shalt conquer without an army : Seize 
the hearts of the world, and be acknowledged its legitimate 
sovereign!” 
For my part, I should call these as true trumpets of the god, 
as that which Tyrtseus blew to the same end. But whatever in¬ 
fluence the strains of the poet may yet have on the minds of his 
countrymen, it certainly does not point to care of his remains. 
In following the line of mountains that bound the valley of 
Shiraz to the north-east, and riding along their base for an ex¬ 
tent of three miles, the country presented many lovely views, 
worthy the pen of him, whose grave I was journeying to visit. 
At the end of three miles we approached a narrow opening into 
the hills, which leads to a variety of little romantic dells, partially 
cultivated, and studded with villages. At a short distance from 
the entrance of the opening stands the object I came to seek: 
but it presented even a more forlorn appearance than the burying- 
