trary, which enjoyed a more secure position, and was perhaps built of more lasting materials, displays at the present day the magnificence of her princes, combined with the learning and taste which distinguished her inhabitants.

The Palace, or Sepulchral Temple (for the ruins of the two have been confounded), appears to have been an edifice of exquisite workmanship as well as of vast extent. In front there was a court of immense size; adjoining which there arose a portico four hundred feet long, the roof of which was supported by figures fifteen cubits in height. This portico led into another court similar to the first, but more superb, and adorned with statues of great magnitude, which are said to have represented the king and certain members of his family. Amidst a numerous succession of halls and galleries the chisel had sculptured with wonderful art the triumphs of the sovereign, the sacrifices which he had offered, the administration of justice in his courts of law, and such other functions as were appropriated to the head of a great nation. But the tomb, properly so called, is especially remarkable for the astronomical emblems which it exhibits. It is encompassed with a golden circle three hundred and sixty-five cubits in circumference, to represent the number of days comprehended in the year. The rising and setting of the stars are likewise depicted with considerable accuracy, and show that great attention was already paid to the motions and periods of the heavenly bodies. Thus it is rendered manifest that, whatever doubt may exist as to the identity of Sesostris and Osymandias, or in regard to the period at which one or other ascended the throne,

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