Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ... VIII THE BOOK NO charlatan astrologer was Mirza Rustem. His forecasts were based on an intimate knowledge of astronomy. He could tell exactly the movements of the stars. He had measured and proved and pictured their spheres rolling around the earth. In his own person he felt the influence of the various houses of the heavens as each in turn became ascendant. Therefore, for any applicant who knew the day and hour of his birth the Mirza with sincere accuracy laid off a horoscope. He asked no money for this service, but accepted whatever token of satisfaction the enlightened inquirer chose to lay at his feet. Because of his disinterestedness quite as much as because he was old, dignified and wise, the Mirza held the regard and respect of his Mohammedan neighbours. People called him "a scratching post for the herd." Whether in physical pain, in fear of calamity, or in plain perplexity what to do next; whether about to travel, to marry, or to close a business deal, the common folk used to ask Mirza Rustem to "teach their brains" as they phrased it, and sometimes he taught their consciences too. So in the midst of a small group of other Mejusis (Parsis) who paid tribute to the Persians for the privilege of keeping their heads on their shoulders, Mirza Rustem lived peacefully and contentedly in his house at Bijur. Selim liked the Mirza with that intuitive liking at first sight which invites a long friendship. At the very first Mirza Rustem cast Selim's horoscope, and found that at his birth the house of religion was in the ascendant. This satisfied Selim of the old philosopher's capacity, and made him glad that he had followed that casual impulse to free himself from the questioning of the men of Khoi Sanjak by telling them that he was on his...
