Page:The philosophy of beards (electronic resource) - a lecture - physiological, artistic & historical (IA b20425272).pdf/43

 object of reverential fondness—wife and children kissing it with the most tender and respectful affection. To express high value for a thing, they say, "it is worth more than one's Beard."

"Shame on your Beard!" is a term of reproach, and "I spit on your Beard!" an expression of the most profound contempt. When the Shah of Persia, in 1826, was speaking to our Ambassador, (Sir J. Malcolm,) concerning the Russians, to shew how low he esteemed them, he exclaimed, "I spit on their Beards!"

To cut off the Beard is considered a deep disgrace and degradation. The noted Wahabee Chief Saoud was accustomed to shave the Beard as a punishment for the