[12] Unless, indeed, the recently discovered caves, in Northern India should turn out to be anything more than coloured bas-relief. [13] See, for examples, in Wilson’s translations of the theatre of the Hindoos, Malati Madava, act i., scene 2. This play was written by Bhavabhuti, who flourished about A. D. 720. Here the lover draws his mistress’ portrait, from memory, on his writing tables. There is another very pretty example in Retnavali, or the Necklace, by Sri Hersha Deva, written for the court of Cashmir, about A. D. 1120, where the young lady sketches her lover in the character of Camdeo, and her friend finishes the picture by adding her figure as Reti, the bride of Camdeo. [14] See plates and descriptions in the early vols. of the Asiatic Researches, and Lieutenant Burnes’ most interesting travels. [15] Ezekiel xxiii. 14, 15; a very remarkable passage. [16] Doubtless such magnificent persons as the Kings of Persia had painters and sculptors. Persepolis, and the Takht i Rustan prove it. Pliny says that a Phocean artist, named Telephenes, was in the service of Xerxes and Darius; therefore the Persian court offered to artists the prospect of fortune. In the very interesting narrative of the late Mr. Rich’s residence on the site of ancient Nineveh (lately published by his widow), mention is made of the remaining decorations of the decayed Christian churches. These are of so early a date that the art employed on them must be the same with that of the times of the fire-worshippers. The figures appear to have been in relief, like those of the catacombs of Egypt, and colour remains in various parts. [17] Curious and interesting as the plates are which adorn the work of Rosselini, brought to England since this essay was written, they do not in the slightest degree alter my view of Egyptian painting. [18] The reign of the Phrah Osirtisen II., Wilkinson says, was that in which Joseph was carried down into Egypt. [19] Oxford Bible. Quarto. Chronology at the end. [20] Arundel Marbles. [21] B. C. 1582. [22] Eliezar, Abraham’s servant, was bought there. [23] B. C. 1495. [24] Tanis. Lightfoot. [25] Gold was used in this embroidery; the metal was beat into exceeding thin plates, then cut as small as wire; this flat gold embroidery is still used in the East. Exodus, chapter xxxix., verse 3. [26] Exodus, chapter xxxii., verse 4. [27] For the supposed figures of the cherubim, see Lightfoot, who thinks they had the faces of oxen between their wings, not human heads. [28] The song of Maneros was, however, long sung in Egypt; but that was accompanied with a strangely melancholy air, which, perhaps, secured its duration. The few words said of this air by Herodotus, have furnished Mr. Seymer with the subject of a beautiful tale. See first series of Romance of Ancient History. [29] See extract from Mr. Clift’s letter at the end of this Essay. [30] See Wilkinson.