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nying sketch will convey an idea of the usual appearance of the buildings, and of the form of some of the arches, which, it will be observed, differ from that on the site of Ctesiphon.

We were informed, that about two years and a half ago, an European had made an accurate survey of all the buildings, and had taken with him a stone covered with inscriptions. Who the European was we have yet to learn: at the time, we thought it might have been Sir Robert Ker Porter, who visited these ruins some time since;

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but we have met with that gentleman, who saw no stone such as described by our guide.

The city, as its name implies, was built by Kisra, or Chosroes, in honour of his beloved Shereen. This princess is said to have been a Christian, and the daughter of the Emperor Maurice.

To have fully surveyed the mass of ruins which exist here, would have occupied at least two days; but in this, as in other instances, the desire of proceeding on our journey made us give less time to our examination than they deserved.

April 16.-We suffered so much from heat in our last day's march, that we were determined for the future to travel by night. We separated soon after dusk, to take a little repose preparatory to our journey; but, as we thought it possible robbers might attack us this evening, we posted our sentinels as before. Our horses were secured by each foot being fastened by a hair rope to an iron staple, which was fixed in

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the ground. A similar mode of picketing horses is mentioned in Scripture, in the account which the four lepers give of their visit to the deserted camp of the Syrians, that "there was no man there, but the horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were."* Gibbon relates,

that the success of Galerius, a Roman General, in the reign of Diocletian, was to be attributed to his having attacked the Persians in the night, who were consequently unable to resist him, from the difficulty they had in unshackling their horses.†

For the better securing our baggage, we placed it within a small space in the centre of our little camp. Having made fast the doors of the tents, we were about to sleep, when we heard a shot fired, which was quickly followed by two others. On inquiry, we found the robbers had descended the hill, and had commenced unloosing the cords by which our

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horses' feet were fastened to the ground; but, being fired upon, had fled. Shortly after, another set of men (for the same could scarcely have got round in the time) came to the opposite side, made a similar attempt, and met with a similar reception. This seemed to satisfy them, for we saw no more of them: though, as we afterwards heard, they formed a part of the Calor banditti.

After these interruptions, we again laid ourselves down to rest, when an incident occurred, which was nearly proving of a tragical nature, and will serve to show the state of watchfulness in which we were.

It had been our custom every night, previous to sleeping, to examine our arms, and then to place our swords beside us, and our pistols under our pillows.

I had been asleep about half an hour, when I was awoke by a rustling in the tent: upon looking to the place whence the noise proceeded, I could distinctly perceive the figure of a man

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forcing himself through one of the divisions. With my mind fully occupied on the late attack, I immediately cocked my pistols; and, with the muzzle presented to the dark figure which appeared to be creeping along, I begged that Mr. Hamilton, to prevent accidents, would come close to me before I fired. By great good fortune he called out, and I discovered that he was the supposed robber, who, having gone to speak to Mr. Lamb, had been unable to open the door on his return, and had forced his way in the manner described.