188 
BAS-RELIEF OF TWO KINGS. 
more so by its present mutilation. * It consists of two figures, 
standing side by side in full view of the entrance, and almost 
fac-similes of each other. Both have the bushy hair on their 
heads, surmounted with the large balloon-like globes ; and both 
hands of each person approach the front of their waists, where 
they rest on the pummel of their swords, which hang down in 
a perpendicular line, in the style of many of the figures at Nak- 
shi-Roustam, and at Nakshi-Rajab. f Their vests are without 
ornament; but round their necks and waists, appear collars and 
belts of very rich workmanship. A dagger is suspended from 
the right side-of each figure; and, through a ring on the sheaths, 
a cord passes across the thigh, to an opposite ring on the dress. 
This appendage, in its simplicity and use, resembles the leathern 
thong described in the sculptures of Persepolis. Loose trowsers, 
and highly decorated shoes, finish their actual apparel; but the 
royal rank of the wearers is amply declared, by the numerous 
floating ends which stream from their heads, shoulders, daggers, 
and feet. 
This bas-relief has had the good fortune to retain its inscrip¬ 
tion, which is in the Pehlivi character. I had it cleansed from 
the dirt, which here and there crusted over it, and then copied 
it with great care. It is written on each side of the group, and 
in Roman letters would run thus: 
“ Patkeli teman mezdiezn behia, Schapouri malcan malca 
Airan ve Anairan minotchetri men Yezdan boman mezdiezn 
vohia Ormazdi malcan malca Airan ve Anairan minotchetri men 
Yezdan nepi behia Narschi malcan malca.” 
* See Plate LXV. 
f See Plate XXVIII. Vol. I. 
