Page:Discovery and Decipherment of the Trilingual Cuneiform Inscriptions.djvu/74

Rh the whole western side of the platform. Both within and without, from top to bottom, we observe the walls are entirely covered with bas-reliefs. On turning to the text for an explanation, we find, however, that the building still possesses its former modest dimensions; but 'the walls and broken arches were wrought or pourtrayed with figures resembling some great persons on horseback, after whom proceed several others in sacerdotal habits.' He has still a clear recollection of the 'gold that was laid upon the Freez and Cornish, as also upon the trim of Vests.' Turning away from this wonderful building, we observe a small ruin in the north-east corner, standing like the one just described upon the upper platform. This corresponds in position to that occupied by the Hall of the Hundred Columns, and the description he gives of it is one of the most singular portions of his narrative. He came, he says, to a large square room, where he observed bas-reliefs of a great person, and 'sundry petitioners, but in several habits, as men of several nations,' besides guards armed with spears. Near this he penetrated into a vault, 'flagged at the bottome with square marble stones,' which led him into a 'fair room or chappel' 'supported by four pillars 4 yards about, 8 in heighth and 4 yards from each other.' He found the entrance elaborately sculptured with the figures of men, apparently priests, with uplifted hands. By another subterranean passage he reached a second chapel, also supported by four pillars seven yards high. Upon the arch is a man of colossal size with a lion couchant at his feet. Near him a king seated on a chair of state and on either side two rows of flamens. A few paces thence he beheld two giants, who by pure force subjugate two lions, and not far off a great prince, holding a sceptre or Pastoral Staff. On one side of him stand the Satraps, and on the other the Magi or priests.