372 ATHENS. 
CHAP, religious intercourse, by means of lights con- 
veying signs to distant priests of the celebra- 
tion of particular solemnities, or as beacons foi 
national signals, it is not pretended to deter- 
mme - As evening drew on, the lengthening 
behind the shadows began to blend all the lesser tints 
Mountains 
- and to give breadth and a bolder outline tc 
the vast objects in the glorious prospect seer 
from this building, so as to exhibit them ir 
distinct masses : the surface of the Sinw 
Saronicus, completely land-locked, resembled 
that of a shining lake, surrounded by moun- 
tains of majestic form, and illustrious in the 
most affecting recollections. There is not on 
of those mountains but may be described, in the 
language of our classic bard, as " breathing 
inspiration." Every portion of territory com- 
prehended in the general survey has beer 
rendered memorable as the scene of some 
conspicuous event in Grecian story; either as 
the land of genius, or the field of heroism ; as 
honoured by the poet's cradle, or by the 
patriot's grave; as exciting the remembrance 
of all by which human-nature has been adorned 
and dignified; or as proclaiming the awful 
mandate which ordains that not only talents 
and virtue, but also states and empires, and 
eveu the earth itself, shall pass away. The 
