142 
RUINS 0I< THE PLACE. 
which is now entirely covered with broken columns, and other 
vestiges of the most classic architecture ; besides the quantities 
which have rolled down the steep in huge masses upon the plain 
beneath ; indicating by their forms, that they are the fragments 
of what must have been a very majestic portico. To the east¬ 
ward, is a continued line of solid foundation wall-work, as well 
as innumerable piles of broken pedestals, capitals, &c. Our 
guide told me, that not longer than twelve months ago, an al¬ 
most entire column stood erect in this quarter, but the inhabi¬ 
tants of the village thought they had occasion for it, and, tum¬ 
bling it down, carried away parts of the broken shaft to apply to 
their own purposes. I measured what remained; and making a 
sketch, also, of its capital and base, both the dimensions and 
form, may be found at C. in Plate XLIII. Vol. I. 
The material of which these relics are composed, is a hard 
marble, of a blueish tint, elegantly marked with white veins. 
The style appears to have been of the most majestic simplicity, 
no traces of ornamented friezes, or any other laboured involve¬ 
ment of decoration, being to be found any where. 
I enquired whether any idols, or ancient coins, had ever been 
turned up, in digging about the place, and was answered, flatly, 
No! For reasons, obvious to all who know the fatal jealousies pre¬ 
vailing in these eastern countries, with regard to finding treasure, 
the discovery of a gold bodkin would be as religiously concealed 
as that of Aladdin’s lamp. This continued idea of hidden riches 
in the earth, cabalistically guarded, or buried in ages unknown 
to man; and consequent suspicion of whoever puts a spade into 
the ground with other purpose than for sowing seed, seems a 
presumption that such treasures have been found in times back $ 
by some happy accident laying open the amassed riches of buried 
