30 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF PERU. 



quity would inspire us with a profound respedt. Why, there- 

 fore, are we not penetrated by the same sentiments, on view- 

 ing the works of Nature ? The rocks which are still standing 

 are more ancient than Memphis ; and those which lie pros- 

 trate, denote a power infinitely superior to that of the Pho- 

 roahs and Mariuses, and a skill which has an equal advantage 

 over the areopagus. 



The ruins of the planet we inhabit ought to produce in our 

 heart the same complacency with its reparations ; seeing that 

 the divine economy, which does nothing in vain, by levelUng 

 a hill in such a particular dire6tion, affords a passage to the 

 waters which fertilize the plains, and operates a salutary 

 change in the climate. By shaking the most solid founda- 

 tions of the universe, it intimates to us its power, and diver- 

 sifies the superficies of the earth, already wearied with afford- 

 ing us nourishment. If to these sentiments, which elevate us 

 to the bosom of Omnipotence, we add others which manifest, 

 to those who study and adore her, the kind solicitude of Na- 

 . ture, we may be led to consider that the ruins which surround 

 her temple are so many mausolea ere6led to merit. How do 

 we know but that yonder rock, shaded by an old and venera- 

 ble oak, covers the ashes of the immortal prelate Feliciano De 

 La Vega ? Are we certain that those of Peralta do not repose 

 beneath this one, through the sides of which issues a rapid 

 torrent, that, in its impetuous course, would sweep them 

 away, if it should encounter them ? Thus also those others, 

 at whose feet a thousand shrubs of variegated hues spring up, 

 amid the beautiful jets of v/ater that play around them, may 

 hereafter become the monuments of the individuals who la- 

 bour for the glory of Peru I Let us hence be persuaded that 



Nature 



