"coveted an evil covetousness," as we learn both from Habakkuk and
Jeremiah. The "shameful custom" mentioned by Herodotus, which required
as a religious duty that every Babylonian woman, rich or poor, highborn
or humble, should once in her life prostitute herself in the temple of
Beltis, was probably based on the desire of attracting strangers to
the capital, who would either bring with them valuable commodities
or purchase the productions of the country. The public auction of
marriageable virgins had most likely a similar intention. If we may
believe Curtius, strangers might at any time purchase the gratification
of any passion they might feel, from the avarice of parents or husbands.

The luxury of the Babylonians is a constant theme with both sacred
and profane writers. The "daughter of the Chaldaeans" was "tender and
delicate," "given to pleasures," apt to "dwell carelessly." Her young
men made themselves "as princes to look at--exceeding in dyed attire
upon their heads,"--painting their faces, wearing earrings, and clothing
themselves in robes of soft and rich material. Extensive polygamy
prevailed. The pleasures of the table were carried to excess.
Drunkenness was common. Rich unguents were invented. The tables groaned
under the weight of gold and silver plate. In every possible way
the Babylonians practised luxuriousness of living, and in respect of
softness and self-indulgence they certainly did not fall short of any
nation of antiquity.

There was, however, a harder and sterner side to the Babylonian
character. Despite their love of luxury, they were at all times brave
and skilful in war; and, during the period of their greatest strength,
they were one of the most formidable of all the nations of the East.
Habakkuk describes them, drawing evidently from the life, as "bitter and
hasty," and again as "terrible and dreadful--their horses' hoofs swifter