THE FOUNTAIN. 



203 



who abound in riches ; but those who, by the sweat of the 

 brow, and the labour of the hands, can scarcely procure what 

 is necessary to the purposes of life, are equally merciful and 

 charitable." 



DESCRIPTION OF THE FOUNTAIN IN THE GREAT SQUARE OF LIMA. 



In the centre of the square, and three feet and a half 

 above its plane, rises a level surface of masonry, the sides of 

 which have a dimension of fifteen yards. The ascent of stone 

 with which it is provided, is surrounded by an open aquedu6t, 

 to colle6t the discharged water, which thence precipitates it- 

 self into a moat. Above is stationed the principal basin, 

 having a diameter of nine yards, surmounted by eight lions, 

 and as many griffons recumbent at their feet. It is covered ex- 

 ternally with exquisite moldings and vases of flowers in bas- 

 relief, and internally lined, both on its plane and circle, 

 with an inlaid pavement of different colours. In the centre it 

 has a pedestal, eighteen feet in height, composed of three 

 square partitions*, finely ornamented. This pedestal sup- 

 ports the second basin, three yards in diameter, which dis- 



* The first of these partitions, four feet in height, including its hase and socle, 

 is beautifully wrought. The second, whicli has an elevation of eleven feet, is de- 

 corated by moldings, and by foliage and other devices at the edges and corners. On 

 the foiir sides are inscriptions containing the names and qualities of the persons who 

 were concerned in the constru£tion of the fountain. By one of these inscriptions it 

 appears, that the pile was raised, by order of count Salvatierra, the viceroy, by An- 

 tonio De Rivas, a celebrated archite£l, in 1650. The third partition is three feet in 

 height, and is adorned with a variety of curious devices. 



D d 2 perses 



