CYPRUS. 73 
conveys a proof of their flourishing state in the chap. 
present capital of Egypt, beyond the notions ' ■ -y ...^ 
usually entertained of that remote city. Among Amient 
. Gems found 
our intaghos were numerous representations and in NicoUa, 
symbols of /^w, oi Ceres, and of Venus; a very 
beautiful gem representing Mercury leaning upon 
a sepulchral slele'^; oi jinubis, kneeling, with the 
dove upon his left hand^; and one of very dimi- 
nutive form, but of exquisite beauty, meriting 
a more particular description : it is a carbuncle, 
or highly transparent garnet. The subject en- 
graven represents a colossal statue, whose two 
arms extended touch the extremity of the stone. 
Before this figure is seen a person kneeling, in 
the act of worshipping the idol. This corre- 
sponds with the descriptions given of the statue 
of Jupiter Serapis at Alexandria, whose two 
hands touched the sides of the temple; and 
(2) The learned antiquary will perceive the classical accuracy observed 
by the Antients in such representations. The subjects displayed upon 
their pictured vases, sculptured marbles, medals, and gems, were not 
the result of any idle fancy or momentary caprice. Copious as the 
sources were whence all their varied imagery was derived, its exhibi- 
tion was nevertheless circumscribed by canons. Mercury is pourtrayed 
reclining upon a stele ; thereby typifying his office of conducting the 
soul after death. 
(3) " Per columbam vero atrem intelligit Horapollo, lib. i. rationem 
ibidem dat quod ade6 sincere et purae naturse sit, ut Jl nullo contagioso 
aere, quemadmodum caetera animalia, infici possit." Kircher CEdip, 
Egypt, torn. III. p. 291. 
" Alba Palasstino sancta columba Syro." 
T'lbullus, Lib. i. El. 7. vers. 18, 
