4 INTRODUCTION. 



frequently regretted each rising hill and scat- 

 tered forest which she had formerly delighted 

 in, with all the charms they had presented to 

 her youthful imagination. The king, to gra- 

 tify his consort, within the precincts of the 

 city raised terraces and planted woods, in imi- 

 tation of those that diversified the face of 

 his queen's native country. Thus originated 

 those gardens, which, for their singularity 

 and comparative extent, were considered one 

 of the wonders of the world. Their base 

 covered four acres of land, and the height of 

 them was so considerable, that they resembled 

 a pyramidical mountain covered by a forest. 

 The upper area, which was about thirty feet 

 square, was about three hundred feet distant 

 from the river Euphrates, that washed the 

 base of the stupendous superstructure. 



This towering pleasure-ground overlooked 

 the whole city and surrounding country, as 

 far as the eye could reach. Each terrace was 

 covered with earth and planted with trees, so 

 as to form a series of ascending groves ; and 

 every platform supported rural seats, foun- 

 tains, and sumptuous banquetting rooms, on 

 which all the splendor and luxury of eastern 

 magnificence were lavished. 



This edifice was constructed by immense 

 stone beams laid on pillars of stone, the first 



