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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[JULY, 1884.
with copies of manuscripts from the Alexandrian library. During the time of the Roman emperors years of prosperity alternated with years of decay in strong contrasts. In the reign of Alexander Severus the academy of Alexandria began again to flourish after the city had recovered itself gradually from the scenes of horror under Caracalla, and we learn from Suidas that about the year 360 A.D. the museum really still existed. This is properly the last notice we possess about the existence of the museum. But after that time even the fate of the Serapeum and of its library is in complete darkness. We know that the temple of Serapis with which the library was con nected had, in A.D. 389, been transformed into a Christian Church under Theodosius the Great. It is quite uncertain whether after this time the library yet remained in Alexandria, or was destroyed or transported to Constantinople; but the latter case is the most probable one, and the great collection of books founded by Theodosius II in the beginning of the fifth century, must
probably have been formed of the libraries of Egypt and of Asia Minor.
If we now review the whole material at our disposal for the history of the Alexandrian library, we must consider it probable in the highest degree, that at the time when the Arabs conquered Egypt, either nothing at all, or but a scanty remnant of the Alexandrian library, which had been so celebrated in antiquity, and had 80 much contributed to the advancement of science, was in existence.
The adherents of the prophet have in their blind zeal undoubtedly destroyed many of the most precious vestiges of antiquity, but the verdict of not guilty will have to be pronounced decidedly with reference to the crime with which they are charged, of having also burnt the library of Alexandria.
This paper was received in April immediately after the publication of the Rev. Mr. Bates on the same subject, but though set up immediately it could not be published till now, from want of space.-ED.]
MISCELLANEA. THE PROVERBS OF ALI BIN TALEBI. 140. Honour your seniors and your juniors will Translated by K. T. Best, M.A., M.R.A.S.,
honour you. Principal, Guzerat College.
141. That which is fated will come to pass,
therefore be patient in seeking; you will never Continued from p. 184.
obtain what is too far off, therefore we well what 128. How many there are who are tempted by
you have got. the charms of praise conferred on them!
142. He is not truly wise who complains of his 129. How can any one feel pleasure in death if
narrow circumstances before one who has no pity, the love of the world dwells in his heart ?
nor truly prudent who is too open before an 130. Be one of the sons of another life and not
unfriendly person. of this, for every son will cling to his mother at 143. God does not enjoin on you anything disthe resurrection day.
honourable, nor forbid you anything but what is 131. There is a disease for every living being, disgraceful. and a medicine for every disease.
144. That men may trust you speak the truth. 132. To everything there is a sweet or bitter 145. He who tries to deceive God is deceived. end.
146. The bitterness of sincere advice is better 133. Learning will by no means profit unless it than the sweetness of a false persuasion. has understanding as its associate, nor will words
147. The prosperity of fools is like a garden on ever suffice unless they are joined with deeds.
a dung-bill. 134. It is the duty of a shepherd to choose for 148. The keepers of riches perish while they his flock what he chooses for himself.
live, but the wise remain as long as day and night 135. It is the duty of a king to rule himself
shall endure; their persons are regretted but their before he rules his soldiers.
image remains in the heart. 136. It is the greatest liberality to hasten re- 149. Evil advisers are helpers of injustice and wards, and the greatest clemency to delay punish- brothers of iniquity. mente.
150. The piety of a faithful man is in his work, 137. Patience in adversity is one of the trea- but that of a hypocrite in his tongue. sures of faith. .
151. Woe to him who perseveres in his folly, 188. It is the nature of fools to be suddenly but blessed is he who understands and allows moved to anger in anything.
himself to be brought back to the right way. 139. Only a wise man despises himself, and only 152. How foolish is an obstinate person, and a fool acquiesves in his own counsel.
careless of his own happiness.
