366 DESCRIPTION OF THÅ WOODCUTS.
P.
viii. Apollo reposing after his victory over Marsyas. He rests his lyre
upon the head of Themis, the original patroness of Delphi, who holds
forth a branch of the fagus— chestnut-tree—whereof was woven the garland, prize in the Delphic Games. Sard ; slightly enlarged.
P. 13. Queen Elizabeth's Agate, described at p. 10.
P.
21. The Sassanian imperial standard: a favourite seal-device under that
monarchy. Its meaning is placed out of doubt by the legend " Afzud
direfesh," " Long live the royal banner," frequently accompanying it.
The symbol appears to denote the sun and moon conjoined and placed upon
a tripod ; the same being also an ancient Buddhist device. Pehlevi
legend, not yet interpreted. Almandine.
P.
26. The " Golden Å " of Delphi ; the sacred number Five : also
explained as implying et, " Thou art," addressed to the Deity.
Originally a Hindoo caste-mark (of the votaries of Vishnu), but placed
in another position so as to admit of a Grecian significance.
Agate-onyx, cameo.
P. 36. Silenus ivy-crowned. Sard.
P. 39. Dolphin and trident : the letters in the field probably refer to the owner of the signet. Sard.
P. 42. Mithraic genius, holding the sacred asp, and situla of holy water : addressed in the legend on the reverse as the god Phren, the Egyptian title of the Sun. Green Jasper.
·Ñ. 49. Amulet against the Evil-eye : representing that dreaded object surrounded by the attributes of the deities to whom the seven days
of the week are consecrated ; whose protection is thus secured to the
wearer. An interesting memorial of the present naming of the week-days
being already established in the second century, the date of this
intaglio. Sard.
P. 69. Sassanian princess : the crescent in the field
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