§4,2. USE OF OBELISKS. 245 



pose in front of the towers of their propylosa. They well 

 understood the value of this vertical line to relieve, and con- 

 trast with, the long horizontal line of the building ; by which 

 means, what would have had a monotonous presented a 

 pleasing effect ; and they managed it more adroitly than the 

 Romans, who, as I before observed*, merely took a column 

 out of a building and, increasing it to an unreasonable size, 

 placed it by itself for this purpose. We have not the same 

 want of the vertical line ; it abounds with us, and under 

 much better conditions than in an Egyptian, or a Roman, 

 city ; we have, therefore, no object in adopting either the 

 obelisk or the column to supply that want. Besides, to copy 

 the obelisk, (with which we have no association of ideas,) as 

 a monument, gives the impression of inability to compose a 

 monumental design. It is the refuge of the destitute. No 

 inventive genius, no effort of the mind, is required for its 

 adoption ; and it is precisely what any one devoid of 

 originality would select: — a mere repetition of a well-known 

 form, without any regard to its real use. A false principle is 

 also involved in the transfer of an object to a purpose with 

 which it has no connexion. It is bad enough when a chimney 

 mimics an obelisk, instead of being what it really is; but 

 then it has not the presumption of calling itself a monument, 

 which requires a greater effort of the mind for its invention, 

 and claims for itself a more dignified character. 



" If men of talent intend to do themselves credit by de- 

 signing monuments, displaying originality and some power of 

 the mind, they must not be satisfied to copy an object adapted 

 neither to our wants nor our ideas. An obelisk before an 

 Egyptian temple is deserving of admiration because, being 

 graceful in form, it fulfils the purpose for which it was in- 

 tended. Its hieroglyphics also add to its beauty when well 

 cut. These last, indeed, are an important feature in the 

 obelisk. It appears heavy without them, and never looks 



* See above, § 40. 



R 3 



