ELEUSIS TO ATHENS. 613 
workmanship denoted the best age of the Grecian CHAP. 
f\ i **-* 
sculpture; and in all the pavements of the i. y .. 
Monastery there were pieces of the finest verd- 
antique breccia, some of which we removed, 
and sent afterwards to England. The remains 
of a Theatre are also visible before leaving this 
defile upon the right hand; and as the hills view of 
. Athens 
opened at the other extremity towards sunset, sunset. 
such a prospect of Athens and of the Athenian 
Plain, with all the surrounding scenery, burst 
upon our view, as never has been, nor can be 
described. It is presented from the mouth or 
gap, facing the city, which divides Corydallus 
upon the south, now called Laurel Mountain, 
from sEgaleon, a projecting part of Mount 
Parnes upon the north*, immediately before 
descending into the extensive olive- plantations 
which cover all this side of the plain, upon 
the banks of the Cephissus. There is no spot 
whence Athens may be seen that can compare 
with this point of view; and if, after visiting the 
city, any one should leave it without coming 
to this eminence to enjoy the prospect here 
afforded, he will have formed a very inadequate 
conception of its grandeur; for all that Nature 
and Art, by every marvellous combination of vast 
(4) See Hobhouse's " Journey through Albania," &c. pp. 370/371. 
Land. 1813. 
