DESCRIPTION OF THE TAIL-PIECES. 355
simple yet pleasing composition in the later Greek style. Sard, found at Athens.
Page 241. Gallienus and Salonina, regardant busts: between them the conjugal myrtle-twined altar, supporting the Soman eagle holding forth the laurel-crown of victory. The last symbol, coupled with the wheat-ears springing
out of the imperial pair, leave no doubt that this unique design
commemorates the recovery of Africa from the usurper Gelsus, by the
Emperor's cousin Galliena; on which occasion we know an aureus was
coined in her name, GALLIENAE AVGVSTAE, with the head of Gallienus, similarly wheat-crowned. Sard.
Page
257. The supposed signet and portrait of Matthew Paris, wearing the
Benedictine cowl ; but more probably an attempt at a Madonna in the
common Italian head-dress, by some Florentine engraver of the
fourteenth century. Sapphire.
Page
275. Sapor II., borne up on quadruple wings, like an ancient Babylonian
god : in the field the Sun and Moon. Legend, " Piruz Shahpuhri," "
Sapor the Victorious." Al-mandine.
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325. Cleopatra as the " New Isis," the ibis perched on her hand :
above, the heads of the Sun and Moon, titles given by her to her
twin-sons, Ptolemy and Alexander. Sard.
Page 340. Chosroes IL, " Khosru Parviz " in his full royal attire: the two ends of the diadem float awayffrom
under his pearl-bordered cap. The legend in thelatest Pehlevi letter
(or rather Cuphic) reads " Ap (zud) Aumar . . . ." " Long live Omar ;"
and we know the Arab Caliphs struck no money of their own for seventy
years after the conquest, but continued to coin that with the type of
Chosroes (exactly as on this gem), merely adding their own names on the
outer margin of the piece.
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