TO RHODES. 265 
sea. The subject seems to be the Nuptials of ciiap. 
Bacchus. It contains fifteen figures, although ' , ' 
some are nearly efi'aced. Amono* these, the 
principal is a bearded figure, sitting with a 
trident or sceptre in his right hand, and leaning 
upon his left elbow. By his left side sits also 
a female, holding in her left hand a small statue : 
the base of this rests upon her knee. She is 
covered with drapery, executed in the highest 
style of the art of sculpture, and extends her 
right arm around the neck of the bearded figure ; 
power we possessed of adding to the stock of our national literary trea- 
sures, was due to our industry alone. The aid our national situation, 
with regard to Turkey, might then have afforded, was studiously 
withheld. An absolute proliibition was enforced, respecting the 
removal of any of the Antiquities of the country, excepting by the 
agents of our own Ambassador at the Porte. Sir TV. Gell, author of 
" The Topography of Troy," &c. was actually prohibited making 
drawings within the Acropolis of Mhens. While we must lament the 
miserable policy of such a measure, and a loss affecting the public, 
rather than ourselves as individuals, we can only add, that ever}' 
exertion is now making towards rescuing from destruction, not only the 
valuable monument here alluded to, but also many other important 
objects of acquisition lying scattered over the desolated territories of 
the Turkish Empire. To a British Minister at the Porte, their 
removal and safe conveyance to England would be the work merely 
of a wish expressed upon the subject to the Capiulan Pasha , and for 
the measures necessary in removing them from their present place, 
no injury would be sustained by the Fine Arts, in the dilapidation of 
any Grecian building. — English travellers, distinguished by their 
talents, illustrious in their rank, and fortunate in their wealth, are 
now traversing those regions, to whom every instruction has been given 
that may facilitate and expedite their researches : it is hoped success 
will attend their promised endeavours to enrich their nation by thft 
possession of such valuable documents. 
