Page:The philosophy of beards (electronic resource) - a lecture - physiological, artistic & historical (IA b20425272).pdf/41

, in dark robes, with long pale face and flowing Beard,

"And eyes, whose deep mysterious glow. Disdainful of each fleeting show. Dwelt in the old and sacred past. Or Seer-like scann'd the future, vast."

The Assyrians and Babylonians, as we know from the researches and discoveries of Layard and others, wore highly ornamental Beards, in which they were followed by the ancient Persians, and the bands appearing on them were of gold.

The ancient Arabs, like their kindred, the Jews, were Bearded, and like them also they have preserved their Beards intact, though their faith has more than once changed. From Mahomet's time we may class them for our purpose with the Turks and Persians, since all have manifested the same respect for the Beard, looking upon it as the perfection and completion of man's countenance and the type of freedom; and shaving as a mark of debasement and slavery. Mahomet, who sanctioned dyeing