'Narrative of a Residence in Koordistan, and on the Site of Ancient Nineveh; with Journal of a Voyage down the Tigris to Bagdad and an Account of a Visit to Shirauz and Persepolis.' [‎102] (133/450)

102
CHALDEAN MANUSCRIPT. [CH. XVI.
I procured here a very valuable ancient Chaldean
manuscript, containing a history ; but many leaves
are, I fear, wanting both at the beginning and the
end. The priest irom whom I got it says, that it
mentions that Hormuzd was martyred by Shapor the
father of Kosrou.
Not long ago, in digging a grave here on the
ancient mount which gives name to the village, they
discovered stones at a great depth. This led them
to dig farther; and they came to an ancient sepul
chre, in which they found some glass vases, or lamps,
two of which they brought out whole; and they are
now in my possession *. There is a large pool here for
preserving rain water, which is the only water used
in the winter here and at Telkeif. In the summer
they drink spring water. They have t\vo churches
here.
December 22.—We mounted at ten minutes before
ten, and passed the water-course with a small bridge
over it. The waters of Sirej Khan and the neigh
bourhood collect here, and discharge themselves
through this water-course into the Tigris. The
Arab village of Bakoofa, with a mount near it, was
about half a mile on our left. At ten minutes before
eleven we came to the Chaldean village oi Batnaia,
the Kiahya of which came out to meet us, and
* Glass is likewise found in Sassanian and in Babylonian ruins,
such as Ctesiplion and Babylon.