24 THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. 



shall call two stories. The platform is but two feet ten inches wide, and the 

 superstructure of the first story is seven feet five inches in height ; that of the 

 second ei"-ht feet five inches, the width of the two being the same. The ascent 

 from one to the other is by square projecting stones, and the covering of the 

 upper story is of flat stones laid across and projecting over. The long sides of 

 this narrow structure are of open stucco work, formed into curious and inde- 

 scribable devices, human figures with legs and arms spreading, and apertures 

 between ; and the whole was once loaded with rich and elegant ornaments in 

 stucco relief. Its appearance at a distance must have been that of a high, 

 fanciful lattice. Altogether, like the rest of the architecture and ornaments, it 

 was perfectly unique, different from the works of any other people with which 

 we were familiar, and its uses and purposes entirely incomprehensible. Perhaps 

 it was intended as an observatory. From the upper gallery, through openings 

 in the trees growing around, we looked out over an immense forest, and saw the 

 Lake of Terminos and the Gulf of Mexico." * Mr. Bancroft thinks " the super- 

 structure would seem to have been added to the temple solely to give it a more 

 imposing appearance. It could hardly have served as an observatory, since 

 there are no facilities for mounting to the summit." f 



There is a marked discrepancy between Stephens's description of the temple, 

 including his design of the front elevation (Fig. 2), and Waldeck's side view of 

 the same building (Fig. 3) . In the latter the roof is of different shape, and its 

 l^latform appears much wider than two feet ten inches, which is the measurement 

 given by Stephens ; and the superstructure, instead of consisting of parallel walls, 

 shows a tapering form. Its two stories are indicated in this sketch by windows, 

 and the wall of the building is pierced with two T-shaped apertures, of which 

 Stephens makes no mention. Of course, it is at present impossible to decide 

 which of the explorers is right, there being no appeal to a later authority. 



Speaking of the chief ornament of the temple — the Tablet of the Cross —Mr. 

 Stephens observes : " The principal subject of this tablet is the cross. It is sur- 

 mounted by a strange bird, and loaded with indescribable ornaments. The two 

 figures are evidently those of important personages. They are well drawn, and 

 in symmetry of proportion are perhaps equal to many that are carved on the 

 walls of the ruined temples in Egypt. Their costume is in a style different from 

 any heretofore given, and the folds would seem to indicate that they were of a soft 

 and pliable texture, like cotton. Both are looking toward the cross, and one seems 

 in the act of making an offering, perhaps of a child ; all speculations on the subject 

 are of course entitled to little regard, but perhaps it would not be wrong to 



* Stephens: Central America, etc., vol. ii, p. 347. 



t Bancroft : Native Eaces etc., vol. iv, p. 331. — In the "Antiquitcs Mexicainos " the temple is figured without 

 any superstructure (Troisieme Expedition, planche xxxv). 



