[Illustration: A LITTLE TEMPLE IN THE COURT OF THE LIONS.]
[Illustration: A PEEP INTO THE COURT OF THE LIONS.]
Athenian weaver, who opines--“To bring in--God shield us!--a lion among ladies is a most dreadful thing; for there is not a more fearful wild-fowl than your lion living.” Yet the admonition may not have been altogether superfluous amongst the beauties of the hareem, who seldom contemplated graven images. It must not be forgotten, moreover, that the Mohammedans of Spain were somewhat lax in the matter of obedience to certain precepts of the Koràn.
[Illustration: GENERAL VIEW OF THE COURT OF THE LIONS.]
Mosaic Dado in centre window on the N. side, Hall of Ambassadors.
The recess or divan containing these beautiful Mosaics was, doubtless, the throne of the Moorish kings. The Mosaics are as perfect as when originally executed, and seem, indeed, to be imperishable. They are formed of baked clay squeezed into moulds of the different figures, glazed on the surface.]
Mosaic Dados on pillars between the windows, Hall of Ambassadors.
The Mosaic Dados on the pillars of the Hall of Ambassadors present a great variety in their patterns, although the component parts are in each the same.]
The beautiful Mosaic in the centre of this plate is part of the Dado of the Hall of the Two Sisters.]
Mosaic Dado round the internal walls of the Mosque.
Mosaics from the Mosque and the Hall of the Baths. The Mosaic Dados round the walls of the Mosque appear to be the only portions of the ancient private Mosque attached to the Palace which have been preserved intact in their original situation. The motto of the Kings of Granada, “_There is no conqueror but God_,” was replaced by “_Nec plus ultra_” of Charles V., when the Mosque was converted by him into a chapel. The beautiful Mosaic at the top of the plate is placed round the fountain of the Chamber of Repose of the Baths, described elsewhere.]
On the floor of one of the alcoves of the Hall of Justice are to be seen the painted tiles delineated in the centre of this plate.]
Mosaic from the portico of the Generalife.]
[Illustration: THE COURT OF THE LIONS, FROM THE WEST.]
[Illustration: TEMPLE IN THE COURT OF THE LIONS.]
[Illustration: SIDE ELEVATION OF THE COURT OF THE LIONS AND FOUNTAIN.]