10 On an ancient Monument, 



similar observations that have occurred upon the sites of other 

 Roman temples, it is far from being unreasonable to consider 

 these bones as relics of sacrifice. 



We know that it was a custom with the Romans, as with the 

 Greeks and the Egyptians, to place images of the Sphinx in the 

 pronaos of their temples. It is precisely to such a purpose, 

 that I suspect our beautiful sculpture in stone to have been de- 

 dicated, in the vestibule of the temple of Claudius *. 



But it maybe asked, Why, in such a situation, should a mutilated 

 victim be exhibited under the fangs of the Theban Sphinx f? 

 I cannot certainly venture in an unhesitating tone to attempt 

 an explanation of this peculiarity. Yet, if we adopt the views 

 of Hoffmann, this exhibition of the utter destruction of the vic- 

 tim may be fairly accounted for, and may be shewn to have 

 been perfectly adapted to the supposed situation of this Sphinx, 

 as a warning emblem for all who presumed to pass the holy pre- 

 cincts, to enter even the porch of the temple. Hoffmann I con- 

 siders the fable of the Sphinx, destroying such as did not un- 

 derstand her mysteries, to intimate that those who observed 

 not the precepts of the gods, were abandoned to her, as to the 

 infernal minister of that divine wrath, which would not fail to 

 consign the disobedient to torments and to death §. 



In reply to any hesitation that may be felt in granting the 

 claims advanced for the Roman origin of our antique stone, 

 upon the ground of the victim being thus introduced ; I beg 



* In the same temple, it is supposed that the worship of Caiiiulus was 

 also maintained. This may have been a native appellation of tlie God Mars, 

 thus latinized, as it was in many other parts of Europe ; where the worship 

 of the Deity under that designation, would, from various and authentic re- 

 cords, appear to have been observed. 



t See Pausanias, Boeot. c. 26. The base of our figure appears to have 

 been left in a rude state ; this may be allusive to the rock, upon which the 

 oracular monster was said to have her residence; and whence she rushed 

 to destroy those who could not solve the riddles she propoonded. 



t Lexicon, Vo. Sphinx. 



§ Pausanias, describing the celebrated temple and statue of the Olympian 

 Jupiter, says — " Before his feet the Thehan youth are seen forced away by 

 Sphinxes ; and under the Sphinxes, Apollo and Diana are piercing with 

 their arrows the children of Niobe. B. 5, ch. ii.— Mr. Taylor's translation. 



