Part 10 (1/2)

Moyses librum legis Levitis in tabernaculo reponendum tradit.

Moses hands a large folio to a Levite, behind whom more Levites are standing. Soldiers, etc., stand behind Moses. Tents in background.

III. BIBLIOTHECA HEBRaeA.

(On first wall-s.p.a.ce south side.)

Esdras sacerdos et scriba Bibliothecam sacram rest.i.tuit.

Ezra, attired in a costume that is almost Roman, stands in the centre of the picture, his back half turned to the spectator. An official is pointing to a press full of books. Porters are bringing in others.

IV. BIBLIOTHECA BABYLONICA.

(Two pictures.)

(_a_) _The education of Daniel in Babylon._

Daniel et socii linguam scientiamque Chaldaeorum edisc.u.n.t.

Daniel and other young men are writing and reading at a table on the right of the picture. A group of elderly men in front of them to the left.

Behind these is a lofty chair and desk, beneath which is a table at which a group of boys are reading and writing. In the background a set of book-shelves with a desk, quite modern in style.

(_b_) _The search for the decree of Cyrus._

Cyri decretum de templi restauratione Darii iussu perquiritur.

Darius, crowned, his back half turned to the spectator, is giving orders to several young men, who are taking books out of an _armarium_--evidently copied from one of the Vatican book-cupboards.

V. BIBLIOTHECA ATHENIENSIS.

(Two pictures.)

(_a_) _Pisistratus arranges a library at Athens._

Pisistratus primus apud Graecos publicam bibliothecam inst.i.tuit.

Pisistratus, in armour, over which is a blue mantle, is giving orders to an old man who kneels before him, holding an open book. Behind the old man attendants are placing books on desks--others are reading. Behind Pisistratus is a group of officers, and behind them again a book-press without doors, and a row of open books on the top.

(_b_) _Restoration of the library by Seleucus._

Seleucus bibliothecam a Xerxe asportatam referendam curat.

Servants are bringing in books which are being hastily packed into cases.

In the background is seen the sea, with a s.h.i.+p; and the door of the palace. A picture full of life and movement.

VI. BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA.