NIMROUD SIDE-GALLERY. 
99 
within a machine such as already described, but with no wheels visible. 
From the nearest turret or bastion (ihe upper part of which is lost) 
the besieged are lowering chains, or grappling irons, to catch the ram, 
and draw it upwards; two of the assailants, however, with hooks thrown 
over the engine, are keeping it down by their weight. The besieged, 
again, are hurling firebrands on the machine, to ignite it; but the 
Assyrians, through pipes carried in the tower of their machine, are 
playing water on the flames. Within this tower are two w 7 arriors assail¬ 
ing the besieged with arrow’s and stones. On the side of the battering 
machine is a carved representation of a ferouher shooting at the enemy. 
Behind it, archers standing, or kneeling, are discharging arrows towards 
the city. A war-chariot, and two footsoldiers, are waiting, further to 
the right; and above are two eagles, one attacking a fallen body. 
16 a. Fragment of a male figure, with remains of colour on the 
hair and eyes, apparently engaged in a sacrificial rite; in his right 
hand is a flower, and on his head a garland, or band of rosettes. 
16 b. A battle-scene, in which an Assyrian warrior in his chariot 
is pursuing some fugitive horsemen, and discharging at them an arrow. 
One of the enemy turns, and extends his hand for quarter; another 
shoots, after the manner of the Parthians. A wmunded man has fallen 
under one of the horses; another lies dead in the distance. A river, 
or stream, appears beneath the fugitives; in it is seen a fish. This 
slab is much dilapidated from the action of water. 
17. The last slab from Chamber B. A winged male figure, richly 
attired, is bringing offerings for sacrifice; on his right arm is a fallow 
deer, in his left hand a branch with five flowers. A similar subject 
was represented on the slab originally adjoining this on the leit side, 
the two figures standing back to back; and a portion of the wing of 
the companion figure appears on this slab. 
Immediately on the other side of the doorway are bas-reliefs from 
other chambers of the North-West Edifice. 
18. Winged male figure, in fringed and embroidered robes, with 
an ibex on his left arm, and in his right hand an ear of w 7 heat. 
19. Two foreigners, paying tribute to some personage represented 
on a lost slab. Both these figures have shoes with high pointed toes, 
and one wears a cap not very unlike the Phrygian. The foremost is 
raising his tw 7 o hands in an attitude symbolical of deference or pacifi¬ 
cation ; the other has on his head and shoulders a monkey, retained 
by a noose, and is leading another monkey, similarly secured. Re¬ 
mains of black and white paint may be observed in their eyes. 
20 A king standing with a staff or sceptre in his right hand, and 
his left resting on his sword; his robes are richly fringed, and their em¬ 
broidery is represented by very delicate incised lines ; on his eyes and 
his sandals are remains of colour. 
Next follow six slabs from a chamber marked G in Mr. Layard’s 
Plan of the North-West Palace, which, from their superior dimensions, 
elaborate execution, and almost perfect preservation, may be reckoned 
among the finest examples of Assyrian bas-relief. They represent the 
King amongst his attendants, supernatural and human, apparently re¬ 
turned from battle, or the chace. All the figures are sumptuously 
attired, their robes fringed, and embroidered with sacred or mystical 
