CHAPTER V.

Meditations at Sunrise.-Violation of the Tombs.-Description of the Tombs.-Allegorical Figures.-Splendid Tomb.-Curious Tombs,-Lively Vale.-Unartistic Statues.

AUGUST 23.-I have described, as I can, the ancient city; but the Necropolis, which yet remains to be visited, is, in fact, still, as in old times, the glory of Cyrene. Among its thousands of monuments, many retain traces of their ancient magnificence, and some still present great beauties of detail. My descriptions, such as they are here given, were written on the spot, after repeated visits; and this morning, in no unfit

The growling camels

ting mood, I began my task. round my tent, the bleating sheep at the fountain above, roused me earlier than usual; and I prepared to set out upon my round, while the cool air invited to exertion, and the first rays of the sun gilded the summits