536 
here we have the tyro in the course of initiation into the 
mysteries in which he is destined to instruct others ; the 
wings are not elevated to his shoulders, as till instructed he 
cannot raise himself to his proper elevation ; the allusion to 
the birth of Minerva shews that the brain must be exercised 
to the utmost, not to allow himself to be bewildered by his 
lesson. 
The second figure above this is robed and winged, and 
represented with the serpent entwined round his head, and 
holding in his right hand the oblong square more perfected 
than in the first figure. In this figure the probation is 
advanced ; the wings are on his shoulders, the serpent round 
his head, the emblem in his right hand ; all denoting that the 
knowledge he has obtained, enables him to soar above the 
uninitiated. 
The third or uppermost figure appears grave ; his head 
encircled by a Nimbus ; he is o'ershadowed by the globe, 
wings, and serpents of Egypt ; or a figure representing the 
Deity of Nineveh, as recently discovered in the sculptures of 
Nimroud. The uppermost figure has had the middle part 
chiseled away ; this, doubtless, contained the key to the 
mysteries ; the head has the ancient half moon ornament 
upon it as a glory or Nimbus : the lower part has folds of 
drapery, but the feet have been destroyed ; the Egyptian 
emblem above the head shews the exaltation of the aspirant 
to the highest rank or decree attainable. 
On the fourth or north side, which requires the spectator 
to face the south, a continuous scroll rises from the base to 
the summit of the pillar, the form similar to that of the 
north, but here luxuriant and flowing. 
A keyed wheel cross was found at the same time with the 
pillar, both carved in millstone grit ; three arms of the cross 
are perfect, but the fourth is broken off ; in the centre is a 
boss or hemisphere, surrounded by a band which forms a triple 
