and is divided into two parts by this square, the entrance into which is through high-arched gates, of graceful architecture, faced with blue-glazed tiles. After entering, you see, on all sides, a double-storied row of arched cloisters, faced with different-coloured marbles; and the square itself is paved with large slabs of marble and sandstone, which on close inspection prove to be tombstones. The privilege of being allowed to be buried in this sacred. enclosure is only granted to those of high rank, who can afford to pay heavily. From the square, leading into smaller squares, are five arched gateways, such as are on the Kheeaba : one leads into a mosque, and is covered with blue tiles; another leads into the square of the tomb of Imam Raza, and is covered with coppergilt tiles. The dome of the tomb and the minarets on each side are all beautifully gilt, and shine in the far distance, glittering in the sun. In the centre of the Sahn is a small temple, with a reservoir for water, for the ablutions of the faithful. The square round the tomb itself is a sanctuary, to which malefactors flee and find a safe refuge; a few houses of Moollahs also are in it, and a few shops for the sale of various small beads and memorials of this Holy of Holies of the Sheahs." All is in such beautiful proportion, and so profusely decorated, that few buildings can compare with it. Meshed was sacked by the Uzbegs16 in 1587; but the great Shah Abbas rebuilt it in 1595, and they say that these buildings are as they were first built. SPELL AND GIVE THE MEANING 15 reg'ulate, to make larger or smaller. aide-de-camp, a military officer who carries the orders of the general. POWER OF IMAGINATION. THE poet's eye, in a fine frenzy rolling, Doth glance from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven; And, as imagination bodies forth The forms of things unknown, the poet's pen Turns them to shapes, and gives to airy nothing KAILYAL IS BORNE TO INDRA'S PARADISE. SOUTHEY. Robert Southey was the son of a linen-draper of Bristol. He was born in 1774, and was educated at Westminster School and Oxford. In after-life he became the best-read man of his day, and wrote a great many books. His prose is perfect. His poems show a strong imagination and wonderful skill in the construction of the verse. He died in 1843. Lo! at Ereenia's1 voice 2 A Ship of Heaven comes sailing down the skies. 66 Where wouldst thou bear her ?" cries The ancient Sire of Gods. "Straight to the Swerga, to my bower of bliss," "To Indra's own abodes." Then, in the Ship of Heaven, Ereenia laid The Ship of Heaven, instinct with thought,' displayed On either side, in wavy tide, The clouds of morn along its path divide; The sail, from end to end displayed, An Angel's head, with visual eye, Through trackless space, directs its chosen way; Nor aid of wing, nor foot, nor fire, Requires, to voyage o'er the obedient sky: Smooth as the swan, when not a breeze at even Disturbs the surface of the silver streams, Through air and sunshine sails the Ship of Heaven. Recumbent there the Maiden glides along How swift she feels not, though the swiftest wind Motionless as a sleeping babe she lay, Feeling no fear; for that ethereal air For sure she deemed her mortal part was o'er, Daughter of Earth! therein thou deemst aright; Rise on the raptured Poet's inward eye. The immortal Youth of Heaven, who floated by, Low thought, nor base desire, nor wasting care The wings of Eagle or of Cherubim Angelic power and dignity and grace Were in his glorious pennons; from the neck Down to the ankle reached their swelling web, 10 Richer than robes of Tyrian dye,1o that deck Their colour like the winter's moonless sky Such was their tint when closed, but when outspread Shed through their substance thin a varying hue; Beauteous as fragrant, gives to scent and sight Or ruby, when with deepest red it glows; Kindles as it receives the rising ray, Proclaims the presence of the power divine. Of that celestial Spirit, as he went The gorgeous beauties that they gave to view: Or as the chaster hue Of pearls that grace some Sultan's diadem. Now with slow stroke and strong, behold him smite The buoyant air, and now in gentler flight. On motionless wing expanded, shoot along. |