43 .

but every one else who came from barbarous nations, orfrom curiosity to see the country, if he did not first wor-ship the image, was, if discovered, stigmatised with dis-grace. Herein is to be seen how ceremonies of very littleconsequence were amongst barbarians committed to thecare of great officers of state. As soon as Apollonius sawthe image, he asked whose it was ? and when he heard itwas the King’s, he said, this man whom you worship, if heis so fortunate as to be praised by me for his virtue andgoodness, will acquire honor enough, and with these wordspassed through the gates. The Satrap followed in admi-ration, and taking him by the hand, asked him by an in-terpreter what was his name, his country, his pursuits,and the motive of his journey: and after taking down on atablet his several answers, together with his dress and ap-pearance, bid him wait his pleasure.

CHAP. XXVIII.

ON this the Satrap made all the haste he could, to thosemen who are called the Kings Ears, and after giving theman account of Apollonius, said, the man is not willingto worship the King’s image, nor is at all like other men.He was then ordered into their presence, with an expressinjunction, that proper respect should be paid him, andno molestation offered ; when he came before them, hewho was the eldest present, asked him why he despisedthe King ? Apollonius said he did not despise him. ButWill you, said he, hereafter do it ? Yes, said Apollonius,if I find by conversing with him, that he is not as goodand virtuous as I expect. What presents* do you bring

* The making of presents has been, and to this day is, customary inthe East. No negotiation, no treaty of business whatever is entered

into, -