130 
SHIRAZ TO PERSEPOLIS. 
notices. Finding, however, that they differed from each other (and 
one of course therefore from the reality) in many essential points, I 
thought that an entire description of the ruins in their present state 
would answer my purpose better than a partial and unconnected ac¬ 
count, referring only to the mistakes or omissions of others. 
The most striking feature, on a first approach, is the staircase and 
its surrounding walls. Two grand flights, which face each other, lead 
to the principal platform. To the right is an immense v r all of the finest 
masonry, and of the most massive stones: to the left are other walls 
equally well built, but not so imposing. On arriving at the summit of 
the staircase, the first objects, which present themselves directly facing 
the platform, are four vast portals and two columns. Two portals first, 
then the columns, and then two portals again. On the front of each 
are represented in basso-relievo figures of animals, which, for want of a 
better name, we have called sphinxes. The two sphinxes on the first 
portals face outwardly, i. e. towards the plain and the front of the build¬ 
ing. The two others, on the second portals, face inwardly, i. e. towards 
the mountain. From the first (to the right, on a straight line) at the 
distance of fifty-four paces, is a staircase of thirty steps, the sides of 
which are ornamented with bas-reliefs, originally in three rows, but now 
partly reduced by the accumulation of earth beneath, and by mutila¬ 
tion above. This staircase leads to the principal compartment of the 
whole ruins, which may be called a small plain, thickly studded with 
columns, sixteen of which are now erect. Having crossed this plain, 
on an eminence are numerous stupendous remains of frames, both of 
windows and doors, formed by blocks of marble of sizes most magni¬ 
ficent. These frames are ranged in a square, and indicate an apart¬ 
ment the most royal that can be conceived. On each side of the frames 
are sculptured figures, and the marble still retains a polish which, in its 
original state, must have vied with the finest mirrors. On each corner 
of this room are pedestals, of an elevation much more considerable 
than the surrounding frames; one is formed of a single block of marble. 
The front of this apartment seems to have been to the S. W. for we 
