conqueror, who detached Probus, the bravest of his generals, to possess himself of the Egyptian provinces. Palmyra was the last resource of 'the widow of Odenathus. She retired within the walls of her capital, made every preparation for a vigorous resistance, and declared with the intrepidity of a heroine, that the last moment of her reign and of her life should be the same. Amid the barren deserts of Arabia, a few cultivated spots rise like iflands out of the sandy ocean. Even the name of Tadmor, or Palmyra, by its signification in 'the 'Syriac as well as in the Latin language, denoted the multitude of palm trees which afforded shade and verdure to that temperate region. The air was pure, and the soil, watered by some invaluable springs, was capable of producing fruits as well as corn. A place possessed of such singular advantages, and situated at a convenient distance "5 between the gulph of Persia and the Mediterranean, was soon frequented by the caravans which conveyed to the nations of Europe a considerable part of the rich commodities of India. Palmyra insenfibly increased into an opulent and independent city, and connecting the Roman and the Parthian monarchies by the mutual benefits of commerce, was suffered to observe an humble neutrality, till at length, after the victories of Tra- jan, the little republic sunk into the bosom of

Rome, and flourished more than one hundred and fifty years in the subordinate 'though honourable rank of a colony. It was during that peace- ' ful period, if we may judge from a few remaining inscriptions, that the wealthy Palmyrenians constructed those temples, palaces, and porticos of Grecian architecture, whose ruins, scattered over an extent of several miles, have deserved the curiosity of our travellers. 'The elevation of Odenathus and Zenobia appeared to reflect new splendour on their country, and Palmyra, for a while, stood forth the 'rival of Rome: but the competition was fatal, and ages of prosperity were sacrificed to a moment of glory 69. '

In his march over the sandy desert between Emesa and Palmyra, the emperor Aurelian was perpetually harassed by the Arabs ; nor could he, always defend his army, and especially his baggage, from those flying troops, of active and daring robbers, who watched the moment of surprise, and eluded the flow pursuit of the -legions. The siege of Palmyra was an object far more difficult and important, and the emperor, who, with incessant vigour, pressed the attacks in person, was himself wounded' with a dart.. '5 The Roman people," says Aurelian, in an original letter, 44 speak with contempt of the

'4 war which I am waging against a Woman, C H AP.. V They are ignorant both of the character and ._ _'__ z " of the power of Zenobia. It is impossible to V enumerate her warlike preparations, of stones, '5 of arrows, and of every species of missile wea" pons. Every part of the walls is provided " with two, or three balz'ste, and artificial fires " are thrown from her military engines. The a 'fear of punishment has armed her with a des"- perate courage. Yet still I trust in the pro" tecting deities of Rome, who have hitherto V been favourable to all my undertakingsffl" Doubtful, however, of the protection of the gods, and of the event of the siege, Aurelian judged it more prudent to offer terms of an advantageous capitulation; to the queen, a splendid retreat; to the citizens, their ancient privileges. His proposals were obstinately rejected, and the refusal Was accompanied with insult. The firmness of Zenobia was supported by the who behoþe, that in a very short time famine would comes

and by the reasonable expectation that the kings me of the East, and particularly the Persian monarch, would arm in the defence of their most natural ally. But fortune and the perseverance of Aurelian overcame every obstacle. The death of Sapor, which happened about this time 7', distracted ssthe councils of Persia, and the incon