THE LATE CAMPAIGN IN EGYPT. 37 



away by the Savans to ascertraiti the elevation of the 

 building, exceeds ten feet in height; from the top of 

 this to the entablature of the columns, the space is 

 left open; within are nine 'pillars to the -right and 

 left, (tallying in size and design with those in front,) 

 that support the roof of the peristyle; which is or- 

 namented in thfe most beautiful style, with a vast va- 

 riety of figures, and representations of aquatic 

 scenes. Many groupes of men and beasts are here 

 represented; some perfectly of a terrestrial and fami- 

 liar nature, others allegorical, amongst which is a 

 fine fio-ure of a bull buttino" at the new Moon. The 

 dresses, the utensils, canoes, and many of the articles 

 of the domestic oeconomy of the ancient Egyptians^ 

 are herein represented in the most minute and pleas- 

 iiig manner ; and the entire state of these figures, 

 not only in shape, hut colouring, conveys the most 

 perfect idea of the habits of the times. A vast re- 

 semblance exists in the dresses with those at present 

 worn in India ; the ckolk of the women, the rnGond^ 

 and many others, claiming a direct comparison. It 

 ha5 often struck me, and never more forcibly than in 

 contemplating this temple and its sculptures, that 

 there must have existed a much greater affinity in the 

 customs of, and of course a more friendly intercourse 

 amongst, the nations of the East formerly, when 

 they pursued one system of worship, than since the 

 introduction of Chnstianity and Mahomttanlsm ; 

 which, by generating the most rooted and inveterate 

 prejudices, have estranged the affections of mankind 

 from those, v/hom no political difference could ever 

 have affected. Of this we had an example even 

 amongst the present inhabitants, who, regarding us 

 as infidds, hate us, though we came as friends. 

 Their dislike, however, they found it prudent to con- 

 ceal ; but they were not equally reserved with respect 

 to the Hindoos, whom they often expressed their ab- 

 horrence of. This detestation of Paganism has in- 



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