He was their lord and master, absolute disposer of their lives, liberties, and property; the sole fountain of law and right, incapable himself of doing wrong, irresponsible irresistable--a sort of God upon earth; one whose favor was happiness, at whose frown men trembled, before whom all bowed themselves down with the lowest and humblest obeisance.
To a personage so exhalted, a state and pomp of the utmost magnificence was befitting.

The king's ordinary dress in time of peace was the long flowing "Median garment," or _candys_--made in his case (it is probable) of richest silk, which, with its ample folds, its wide hanging sleeves, and its close fit about the neck and chest, gave dignity to almost any figure, and excellently set off the noble presence of an Achaemenian prince.

The royal robe was either of purple throughout, or sometimes of purple embroidered with gold.

It descended below the ankles; resting on the foot even when the monarch was seated.

A broad girdle confined it at the waist.