VIEW FROM THE PLAIN. 
143 
kings, either in their tombs, or subterraneous recesses of secret 
deposit. One or two fortunate accidents of that kind, would 
soon direct the pick-axe to most other likely places ; and hence 
it arises, that so many sepulchres of the ancient world, whether 
in cavern, pyramid, or dug in the solid rock, when explored by 
modern travellers, as they thought for the first time after the 
inhumation, have been found tenantless, ransacked, and bare. 
The northern aspect also, of this imposing height, has a gradual 
descent to the plain, shewing, along its brow, the remains of a 
foundation wall, uniting with those on the western and eastern 
sides. These extensive foundations must have supported, not only 
the temple, but the battlements of the fortress which protected 
the shrine. Within them, would also be the sacerdotal college 
and town, for the abode of the priests and servitors, and the 
military guardians of the establishment. The view around, was 
perfectly beautiful; and to those European strangers who looked 
on it, even two centuries ago, could not fail to recall to them 
many tender remembrancesBwfrWhen the temple stood in its day 
of prosperity, overlooking from its commanding rock the fine 
vale beneath, reflecting the splendours of an Asiatic sky, which 
here indeed mingles the glowing rays of a ruby tint with the 
bright cerulean of Athens ; it must have appeared to the trans¬ 
planted Greek, a repetition of his own Parthenon, set in a warmer 
heaven. 
The whole of the plain to the south, to which the superb 
portico of the temple must have immediately pointed, is ex¬ 
tremely rich ; the soil being naturally fine, and the peasantry of 
dispositions to improve its fertility. Trees of every description 
wood the undulating grounds; and many, abundant in fruits, 
traverse the gardens, and border their numerous rivulets. In 
