Herculæan

In the mouth and small eyes may be seen the unspeakable studies of a long life, to which the painter has drawn attention by the inscription upon the gilt edges of a book bound in red, and elegantly decorated, on which Erasmus is leaning, and which runs thus : — ΗΡΑΚΛΕΟΙ ΠΟΝΟΙ Erasmi Rodero. ie the Herculæan labours of Erasmus of Rotterdam.

The Sibylla Persica, supposed to be the oldest of the sisterhood, holds the book close to her eyes, as if from dimness of sight, which fact, contradicted as it is by a frame of obviously Herculæan strength, gives a mysterious intentness to the action.

Obedient to your well urged petition, I have gone into the Herculæan task of clearing — not the Augæan stables, but what is worse, — my baskets of papers.

The Finance Committee, which began its Herculæan labours on the Nawrús or New Year’s Day (March 21) of 1907, and presented its Budget to the Majlis in the following October, comprised 12 members, 5 from Ázarbáyján, 2 from Ṭihrán, 2 from Fárs, and one each from Kirmán, Khurásán and Hamadán.