1 HE PYRAMIDS. 391 
uniform pile, of which the existing pyramids were to form a part, 
and that others were to be erected, to correspond with the great 
pyramid and the third. The second pyramid would then be in 
the centre, with the sphinx in front of it. The regularity of the 
excavations which surround this building on two sides, leaving an 
opening to the east, and the fact that the causeways extend in the 
same direction, seem to prove, that this was intended as the front 
of the pile, and thereby confirm the conjecture of our learned 
countryman. 
Mr. Bruce, who certainly visited the pyramids, has given us only 
one observation, and that is totally contrary to the truth, viz. 
that large fragments of the rock are visible in the roof of the great 
" chamber, where the sarcophagus stands, and also in the top of 
" the roof of the gallery, as you go up into that chamber." I have 
before stated that the pyramid itself is built of a stone found on 
the spot, but that the gallery is lined with white marble, and the 
chambers with the finest granite. 
Among the renegado French, who escorted me, was a man, who 
said he had accompanied Bonaparte on his visit to the pyramids, 
and assured me that that General had sent down a man into the 
well, with a cord fastened to him, but that, after he had descended 
some distance, they found it impossible to get him out, probably 
from some curve in the passage. It is to be regretted that the ex- 
periment failed, for the description of Herodotus gives sufficient 
grounds for believing that we are hitherto unacquainted with many 
of the mysteries of this gloomy building. 
Taher Pacha sent so frequently to hasten my departure, that, at 
length, we were obliged, however unwillingly, to comply. He im- 
