TCD MS 10516 folio 88 verso
[12th October 1916] tant mounds which buried ancient cities, were lifted by the mirage sheer into the sky like giant cliffs above the elusive waters. There was something solemn in standing on this temple of the moon-God where Chaldean priests fell down in worship and sages studied the starry heavens. Around was a glorious spectacle of Natures infinite expanse which, different though it was in Chaldean times, yet must have inspired with reverence those ancient scientists who from this trembling summit would penetrate Natures secrets. Below was the pile of dust; the garment of this historic ground; all that was now left of this remarkable city, the mightiest in Southern Chaldea. A few months later we saw Gurkhas picketing the mound, trenches dug into the ruined walls, breastworks built of the exposed bricks, and moun-