almost certaillly to be dated before the historical fact discussed here. Thus the solution of the problem must involve ordinary people as well as the dynasty and aristocracy. A. F. L. Beeston's suggestion is intended to confirm N. Rhodokanakis's opinion. However, this suggestiorl, which alludes to a " fashion or ' smart ' afectation among other sections o£ the populace " does not ft the te:xts. It is, indeed, in the nature of a " fashion or ' smart ' affectation " to be rare and at the same time be recognizable by its strange character. Such is not the case at all. Besides, A. F. L. Beeston himself admits that " the practice of using proper names with h-forms was not confined to the ruling caste but fairly widely spread." 27 But when peculiar phenomena are so widely spread, it is really possible to speak of a "fashion or 'smart' affectation"? There is no evidence for such an assertion. 'rhe above-mentioned phenomena are so conspicuous and their number is increasing so steadily that neither N. Rhodokanakis' nor A. F. L. Beeston's interpretation seems to be relevant. Study of the texts written in both Qatabanian and Sabaean leads to the conclusion that there must have been a situation more important and involving more persons than