Account of an Excursion to Thebes. 
roofs. Norden mentions the whole temple as standing in his: 
time. On the 5th, we reached Dendera, and set out early in 
the morning, mounted on donkeys, to visit the Temple, having 
a pleasant hour’s ride through groves of date trees. 
I find I can give you but a feeble description of the temples 
in general. The accounts even of Denon and Hamilton are far 
from enabling one to form a just idea of them; and, indeed, no 
description is capable of doing this without entering into a mi- 
nute detail of their plans, dimensions, variety of sculpture, style 
and painting, that would, from its very length, probably prove, if 
not fatiguing, at least tedious and prolix. Nor have these au- 
thors succeeded much better in the prints which accompany 
their works. With the exception of two or three representa- 
tions of temples given in the French national work, no engra- 
vings liave yet appeared from which a true idea can be form- 
ed of their grandeur. 
The first appearance of the temple at Dendera, surrounded 
as it is with mounds of ruins of an Arab town, is very unfa- 
vourable ; but, perhaps, this serves to increase the surprise and 
admiration, which arc excited by a nearer approach. It is nearly 
in its original state. It is certainly the most perfect, and perhaps 
the most beautiful, of all the temples, and justly deserves the 
preference which lias been given it by Denon. The figures, and 
even the smallest hieroglyphics, wdth which its walls, roofs, pil- 
lars, are completely covered, are all in relief ; and it is incon- 
ceivable with wdiat precision and elegance they are executed, 
and what richness of effect they produce. Ail travellers have 
justly remarked the striking contrast between the simplicity in the 
outlines and plans of the temples, and the minuteness and va- 
riety of their ornaments. It is more observable in this than in 
any of the rest ; for the outline of the temple of Dendera, al- 
though beautiful, is so extremely simple, that it may be express- 
ed on paper by a few straight lines. The state of perfection in 
wAich it still remains, increases the regret one feels at the bar- 
barous spirit wFich has defaced many of the human figures. 
The greatest injury has been done to the beautiful heads 
of Isis, forming the capitals of the massy pillars in the 
great portico, all of which have been more or less defaced 
by the chisel. This was done by the primitive Christians, who 
