101 
1S21.] Remains found in Pompeii , 
STONE BENCH AT THE GATE OF POMPEII. 
Representation of the dwelling, denominated the 
Villa, at the entrance of Pompeii, being the first 
object discovered in I75S. 
respect mutilated like that of Verona, 
you survey it with pleasure, precisely 
as it appeared in the year 79- 
Anions the temples, nearly all com¬ 
posed of a portico and a cell, in 
the centre that of Isis is distinguish¬ 
able, where are preserved some large 
vases, destined for sacrifice ; the spot 
where the victims were immolated, the 
channel for the current of the blood, and 
two doors behind the cell, which the 
guides point out as having served for 
the secret entrance of the priests, offi¬ 
ciating as interpreters of the goddess. 
It is to be regretted that the instru¬ 
ments used at the sacrifices have been 
removed to Naples ; the temple might 
have been closed up as well as the 
dwelling of Sallust, and every thing 
would have then remained in its proper 
place. 
Besides the theatre, whereof I have 
spoken, and which was probably only 
used for declamation, there is another, 
the stage of which is nearly as shallow. 
The first appearance of Pompeii leads 
one to conjecture that the ancients oc¬ 
cupied themselves more than we do in 
rendering the residence of a city agree¬ 
able and commodious for every class of 
society. The water being abundantly 
furnished, the streets well paved, and 
almost all in a descent, it was extremely 
easy to cleanse them. 
While walking along these desert 
streets, the imagination is gratified by 
peopling them anew with Roman citi¬ 
zens. We revert back with facility for 
a space of 2000 years ; we view the in¬ 
habitant occupying his shop, decorated 
with marble, and dealing out oil, wine, 
&c. Those times appear felicitous; 
but we reflect that slavery existed, and 
then hail with joy the existing asra, 
when all the social institutions com¬ 
bine to ameliorate the lot of the most 
indigent classes of the community. 
Several remains, or skeletons, have 
been discovered of individuals who, at 
the period of the eruption, had not suffi¬ 
cient time to effect their escape $ among 
others. 
