Here, finally, was a bowl of solid gold, another work of the great Samian metallurgist, more precious for its artistic workmanship than even for its material.
[Illustration: PLATE XXXV.] Nothing has hitherto been said of the Royal harem or seraglio, which, however, as a feature of the Court always important, and ultimately preponderating over all others, claims a share of our attention.

In the early times, it would appear that the Persian kings were content with three or four wives, and a moderate number of concubines.

Of the wives there was always one who held the most exalted place, to whom alone appertained the title of "Queen," and who was regarded as "wife" in a different sense from the others.

Such was Atossa to Darius Hystaspis, Amestris to Xerxes, Statira to Darius Codomannus.

Such, too, were Vashti and Esther to the prince, whoever he was, whose deeds are recorded in Scripture under the name of Ahasuerus.