[49] The word Meerzâ, when prefixed to a name, implies a secretary or civilian; when it follows, it designates a prince. [50] It has long been the custom in Persia for persons to recite animating verses, from the Shâh-Nâmeh, at the commencement of, and during a battle. The late king, Aga Mahomed, was particularly fond of this usage, and bestowed marks of his favour on such minstrels. [51] Iran is the ancient name of Persia, as Turan is of Tartary. [52] The celebrated Ky-Khoosroo of the Persians is the Cyrus of the Greeks. [53] Roostem Keeneh-Kh'âh. The hero has this epithet as he was desirous of avenging the death of Siyâvesh, murdered by Afrâsiâb. [54] Tartary. [55] "Their swords are a thousand, their bosoms are one."--Lochiel's Warning. [56] Kâoos was at this time King of Iran or Persia. [57] The term in the original is "Azâdigân," which means men free or independent, that are not subject to the authority of others: heroes who went more with the cause than the leader. [58] This famous standard was a blacksmith's apron set in jewels, and was long the imperial standard of Persia. Gâveh was a blacksmith; he overthrew the cruel tyrant Zohâk, and placed Feridoon on the throne of Persia. When collecting followers, he carried his apron as the standard of revolt against Zohâk. This apron remained the standard of the empire till taken by Saad-ben-wakâs, who commanded the Mahomedan army that conquered Persia. [59] The brother of Peerân-Weeseh, the favourite vizier and counsellor of Afrâsiâb. [60] The word means pale or yellow, and has an allusion to fear, of which that colour is the emblem in Persia. [61] The word "meel" in Persian, is nearly our mile. [62] This last stanza is a reflection of the poet, referring to the injustice of the cause of the Tartars. [63] Forty, both in India and Persia, is used to express an indefinite number or quantity. [64] Men-em gooft bâ-ferra-e-Eezidee Be-hem sheheryâree be-hem Moobidee. [65] Mes'hef-e-Mejeed, a pious allusion to the Koran. [66] "Heif', ber ân kih reft oo kâr ne-sâkht Koos-e-rihlet zed oo bâr ne-sâkht!" [67] Neksha-e-Roostem. [68] This, in the present _vapouring_ age, would be called a hundred and twenty elephant-power; but I dare not take a liberty with my text when recording facts. [69] The Shemsheer-Khânee is a prose abridgment of the Shâh-Nâmeh, into which are introduced some of the finest passages of Firdousee's poetry. [70] The ancient Hyrcania. [71] "Jehân-âfireenendeh yâr-e-men est Ser-e-nereh deevân shikâr-e-men est." [72] It was in this battle that the armies were, according to Firdousee, enveloped in sudden darkness, as had been foretold by a magician. The mention of this fact proves it to be the same action during which, Herodotus tells us, a total eclipse of the sun took place, as had been foretold by Thales the Milesian.--Vide Hist of Persia, vol. i. p. 3. [73] Goor.