158 
SCULPTURED CAPTIVES, 
knowledge would be unfolded here, and in the vale of Merdasht! 
Not only the long-overshadowed annals of this country, sunk in 
the depths of time, must be enlightened; but these inscriptions 
might elucidate the true meaning of the hovering figure in the air, 
and say which conjecture is right, — that it is a guardian spirit, 
or a second-self; or, in declaring both to be wrong, pronounce 
its proper signification. 
Even with the help of my glass, I was at too great a distance 
to copy distinctly the inscription on the robe, otherwise I should 
have completed that at least. But to transcribe the whole of 
the tablets, could I have drawn myself up sufficiently high on the 
rock to be within sight of them, would have occupied me more 
than a month. At no time can it ever be attempted without 
great personal risk ; yet I do not doubt that some bracket on the 
surface might be found, to admit a tolerably secure seat for some 
future traveller, who has ardour and time, to accomplish so 
desirable a purpose. * 
The execution, in this specimen of ancient art, is not inferior 
in any respect to the best at Persepolis ; and the varied ex¬ 
pression in the different faces may be regarded as almost equal 
to any thing of the kind done by the chisel. The same progress 
in anatomical knowledge, manifested at Chehel-Minar, is shewn 
here, in the exposed limbs of two of the figures ; and, indeed, 
we see it even in the outline of the drest figures, and the easy 
and true motion with which they appear to advance. No doubt 
* On my arrival at Bagdad, I happily found Mr. Belino there; a gentleman of 
great learning and perseverance, who has promised not to leave Persia without 
copying the whole of these inscriptions. Placing every reliance on his zeal, and the 
fidelity with which he would make the transcriptions, I cannot but fervently hope, 
for the sake of truth on these deeply interesting subjects, that my friend’s intentions 
may be crowned with success. 
