96 
NIMROUD SIDE-GALLERY. 
across the middle; those with small figures have had inscriptions 
generally on the border above and below. 
The following are the slabs from Chamber B :— 
1. A human figure with four wings, and triple-horned cap, sumptu¬ 
ously attired in embroidered and fringed robes; his right hand is raised 
in the attitude of worship, and in his left is a mace. 
2. Large bas-relief, sunk within a border or framework, representing 
two kings in richly ornamented attire, apparently engaged in sacrifice, 
and each followed by a winged triple-horned figure with the fircone 
and basket: between the kings is a mystic tree, and above this, a 
ferouher , or Divine image in a winged circle. In front of this bas- 
relief, in its original site, was a large slab, serving as a throne or altar. 
The four next slabs, both in the upper and lower tier, formed origin¬ 
ally, as here, a continuous series. 
3 a. Bull-hunt. The king, from his chariot, thrusts a dagger into 
the neck of a bull which had apparently pursued him, and which, like 
all those here represented, shows only one horn, rising from the middle 
of his forehead; another bull lies transfixed with arrows; behind 
follows a horseman, leading a second horse by his side. 
3 b. Return from the bull-hunt. The king stands over a prostrate 
bull, with a cup in his hand; one of his attendants fans him with a fly- 
flapper; another shades him with a parasol; a third figure approaches 
with his hands clasped, in the Oriental attitude of respect; two others 
play, with plectra , upon stringed musical instruments. 
4 a. Lion-hunt. The king draws his bow upon a lion which has 
planted his forepaws on the royal chariot; two attendants prepare to 
despatch the animal with daggers from behind; on the ground lies a 
lion pierced with arrows. The fighting lion, a figure sculptured with 
remarkable spirit, shows a claw at the end of his tail. 
4 b. Return from the lion-hunt. A composition similar to No. 3 b , 
but in place of the parasol-bearer four archers stand behind the king. 
5 a. This slab is unconnected in subject with those to which it was 
united. A city is represented, besieged by the Assyrian king; a 
battering-ram, wrnrked from within a machine, assaults the walls, and 
is dislodging the stones; the machine, which is constructed of wicker¬ 
work, and runs upon six wheels, is surmounted by a tower, from which 
an archer, defended by a shield-bearer, is shooting on the besieged; 
behind the machine is the king, also shooting, and attended by two 
armour-bearers and an eunuch. The besieged, in return, discharge 
their arrows upon the assailants, whilst one raises his hand for a parley. 
The battlements of the city are serrated, and the gate is crowned by a 
semicircular arch. 
5 b. This slab forms one subject with No. 6 b. The king, attended 
by his parasol-bearer, with his chariot waiting behind, receives the 
homage of the vanquished. With two arrows in his right hand, and a 
bow in his left, he stands in conference with a chieftain, followed by 
four attendants in the conventional attitude of attention. One of the 
captives bows to the ground at the king’s feet; a soldier urges on a 
second, seizing his head by the hair; others follow, with arms fastened 
behind. Above appear vessels, elephants’ tusks, and other spoils of 
war. 
6 a y another isolated subject, represents the attack of a city or 
