SIXTH BAS-RELIEF. 
557 
sidered a rude representation of the sceptre of regal power, 
which the empty, though clasped hand of the opposite person, 
seems raised ready to receive. The allegorical figures beneath, 
might hold the same meaning as they do at present; designating 
the fall of Parthian usurpation and idolatry. But, notwith¬ 
standing this inference to be drawn from the figures them¬ 
selves, I am decidedly of opinion that the inscriptions tell the 
real design of the artist; and, therefore, the sentiment of the 
sovereign by whose order they were executed. Besides, human 
majesty, in those times, being always considered with some close 
affinity to the divine, the same attributes were usually given to 
both: while the majesty of form, and godlike expression of 
countenance, which alone can give the spiritual character 
demanded, must not be expected here, they being the latest 
perfections of the art. 
The head-dress, and style of face, given to the figure in this 
bas-relief, which is denominated Ardashir, bears the closest 
resemblance to a coin in my possession, of a prince of that name ; 
and which is spelt, in Pehlivi characters, in the same way as it is 
here written in the rock. 
The last bas-relief that is legible, (Plate XXIV.) lies to the 
north-west of all I have been describing, and consists of a king 
standing in a niche, or rostrum, as if delivering an harangue. He 
is habited in a simple tunic, and rests his hands carelessly on his 
sword, which hangs in front of him. His head is covered with 
the winged helmet, and surmounted by the usual huge oval 
mass, reserved for royal heads alone. A thick cluster of curls 
falls on his left shoulder. His face, which is almost oblite¬ 
rated, looks over his right shoulder; his beard is short, and 
tied in the tassel shape ; this fashion, too, appears appropriated 
to kings. A collar of pearls encircles his neck, and a couple of 
