BERZSENYI, Mezha-nyl, Daniel, Hun garian poet: b. Heyte, 1776; d. 1836. An au thorized version of his 'Versa' appeared in 1813 and in 1816 was reprinted with his consent and speedily became classic in Hungarian lit erature. The poems received a hearty acclaim from the younger patriots. The best edition is that by Toldy (2 vols.. Pesth 1864).
BES, an Egyptian god, represented clad in a lion's skin, with the head and skull of the tnimal concealing his features, and with a dwarfish and altogether grotesque appearance. He was supposed to preside over art, music, the dance and childbirth. He was formerly identified with Typhon. He was of foreign origin and appears chiefly after 1500 B.C.
BESANcON, 136-zaii-senl, France, fortified town, capital of the department of Doubs, 206 miles southeast of Paris. The town is sur rounded by hills, covered with vineyards. The isthmus or peninsula on which it is built is composed of a mass of rocks crowned by the citadel, which commands the country toward the north, but the citadel itself is commanded by several eminences, on which forts have been erected for the purpose of securing the ap proaches. Besancon is one of the strongest
towns in France, and also one of the best built. The streets spacious and well laid out, and the squares are adorned with fountains. The citadel is one of Vauban's finest works. There are here a theatre, a large and valuable public library, containing over 130,000 volumes, a mu seum, a botanic garden, school of artillery, lyceum, etc. The trade and manufactures are extensive. The latter comprise linen, cotton, woolen and silk goods, ironmongery, etc.; but the principal industry is watch- and clodc making. It employs about 12,000 work people. There are also extensive foundries, brewenes, sawmills and tanneries. Besancon is the an cient Vesontio Besontium, or Bisontium, which is mentioned by Julius Cxsar, who drove the Sequani from it in 58 a.c., as a place of great natural strength. Several of the streets and places still bear their old Roman names, and there are numerous Roman remains, especially a triumphal arch of the Emperor Marcus Aure lius, an aqueduct, an amphitheatre and a large theatre. Pop. (1911) 57,978.