LXXII interpretes ab Eleazaro missi sacros libros Ptolemæo reddunt.
Ptolemy is seated on a throne to right of spectator with courtiers on his right and left. The messengers kneel before him, and hand him volumes.
VII. BIBLIOTHECA ROMANORUM.
(a) Tarquin receives the Sibylline Books.
Tarquinius Superbus libros Sibyllinos tres aliis a muliere incensis tantidem emit.
Tarquin, seated in the centre of the picture, receives three volumes from an aged and dignified woman. In front a lighted brazier in which the other books are burning.
(b) Augustus opens the Palatine library.
Augustus Cæs. Palatina Bibliotheca magnifice ornata viros litteratos fovet.
Augustus, in armour, with imperial mantle, crown and sceptre, stands left of centre. An old man seated at his feet is writing from his dictation. Left of the Emperor are five desks; with five closed books lying on the top of each. These desks are very probably intended to represent those of the Vatican Library as arranged by Sixtus IV. Two men, crowned with laurel, are standing behind the last desk, conversing. Behind them again is a book-case of three shelves between a pair of columns. Books are lying on their sides on these shelves. Beneath the shelves is a desk, with books open upon it, and others on their sides beneath it.
VIII. BIBLIOTHECA HIEROSOLIMITANA.