over a level plain.

But when the two gates, that is to say, those of the outmost
and the inmost walls, have been passed, one mounts by means
of steps so formed that an ascent is scarcely discernible, since
it proceeds in a slanting direction, and the steps succeed one
another at almost imperceptible heights. On the top of the
hill is a rather spacious plain, and in the midst of this there
rises a temple built with wondrous art.


G.M. Tell on, I pray you! Tell on! I am dying to hear
more.


Capt. The temple is built in the form of a circle; it is not
girt with walls, but stands upon thick columns, beautifully
grouped. A very large dome, built with great care in the cen-
tre or pole, contains another small vault as it were rising out of
it, and in this is a spiracle, which is right over the altar. There
is but one altar in the middle of the temple, and this is hedged
round by columns. The temple itself is on a space of more
than 350 paces. Without it, arches measuring about eight
paces extend from the heads of the columns outward, whence
other columns rise about three paces from the thick, strong, and
erect wall. Between these and the former columns there are
galleries for walking, with beautiful pavements, and in the re-
cess of the wall, which is adorned with numerous large doors,
there are immovable seats, placed as it were between the inside
columns, supporting the temple. Portable chairs are not want-