427 
the smaller, on the same plan, inferior dewals; the rest were ap- 
propriated as dwellings for the inhabitants, differing in size and 
accommodation according to their respective ranks in society; or, 
as is still more probable, these habitations were the abode of reli- 
gious brahmins and their pupils when India was the nurse of 
art and science, and the nations of Europe were involved in igno- 
rance and barbarism. 
Southey has introduced these excavations, with good effect, 
into the “Curse of Kehamaf’ which, however extravagant, con- 
tains many true pictures of oriental scenery. 
“ In solitude the ancient temples stood. 
Once resonant with instruments and song. 
And solemn dance of festive multitude ; 
Now as the weary ages pass along. 
Hearing no voice save of the ocean flood, 
Which roars for ever on the restless shores ; 
Or, visiting their solitary caves. 
The lonely sound of winds, that moan around. 
Accordant to the melancholy waves. 
High over-head, sublime. 
The mighty gate-way’s storied roof was spread. 
Dwarfing the puny piles of younger time. 
With the deeds of days of yore 
The ample roof was sculptur’d o’er. 
And many a god-like form there met the eye. 
And many an emblem dark of mystery. 
Such was the city, whose superb abodes 
Seem’d scoop’d by giants for the immortal gods. 
Now all is silence dread. 
Silence profound and dead. 
The everlasting stillness of the deep!” 
