that Veiled Prophet of Khorassan," who, in the year of the Hegira 163, created such alarm throughout the Eastern Empire, made an obeisance to the Princess, and thus began: For the real history of this Impostor, whose original name was Hakem ben Haschem, and who was called Mocanna from the veil of silver gauze (or, as others say, golden) which he always wore, see D'Herbelot. THE VEILED PROPHET OF KHORASSAN." c In that delightful Province of the Sun, a Khorassan signifies, in the old Persian language, Province or Region of the Sun.-Sir W. Jones. b«The fruits of Meru are finer than those of any other place; and one cannot sce in any other city such palaces, with groves, and streams, and gardens."-Fbn Haukal's Geography. One of the royal cities of Khorassan. 39 O'er MOUSSA's cheek," when down the Mount he trod, All glowing from the presence of his God! On either side, with ready hearts and hands, C Their vesture, helms and all, is snowy white; Their weapons various-some equipped, for speed, Or bows of buffalo-horn and shining quivers e f a Moses. b"Ses disciples assuroient qu'il se couvroit le visage, pour ne pas éblouir ceux qui l'approchoient par l'éclat de son visage comme Moyse."-D'Herbelot. c Black was the colour adopted by the Caliphs of the House of Abbas, in their garments, turbans, and standards.-"Il faut remarquer ici touchant les habits blancs des disciples de Hakem, que la couleur des habits, des cüeffures et des étendarts des Khalifes Abassides étant la noire, ce chef de Rebelles ne pouvoit pas choisir une qui lui fût plus opposée."-D' Herbelo'. d❝ Our dark javelins, exquisitely wrought of Khathaian reeds, slender and delicate."-Poem of Amru. e Pichula, used anciently for arrows by the Persians. f The Persians call this plant Gaz. The celebrated shaft of Isfendiar, one of their ancient heroes, was made of it." Nothing can be more beautiful than the appearance of this plant in flower during the rains on the banks of rivers, While for war's more terrible attacks, Between the porphyry pillars, that uphold And crown th' Elect with bliss that never fades where it is usually interwoven with a lovely twining asclepias.”—Sir W. Jones, Botanical Observations on Select Indian Plants. a The oriental plane. "The chenar is a delightful tree; its bole is of a fine white and smooth bark; and its foliage, which grows in a tuft at the summit, is of a bright green."-Morier's Travels. Well hath the Prophet-Chief his bidding done; From those who kneel at BRAHMA's burning founts," From PERSIA's eyes of full and fawn-like ray, b To the small, half-shut glances of Kathay: But why this pageant now? this armed array? a The burning fountains of Brahma near Chittogong, esteemed as holy. Turner. b China. The name of tulip is said to be of Turkish extraction, and given to the flower on account of its resembling a turban."-Beckmann's History of In ventions. |