Page images
PDF
EPUB

the whole of it, as has been already stated, under perfect care.

"And understand distinctly, that no excuse will be taken except for the production of the whole contents of the said -unless the whole contents of the said box are produced; and send them here immediately, and with haste. And beware of any neglect in this matter! lest the utmost blame fall upon you.

of Syria;" and in the language of Scripture, "The Tower of Lebanon, that looks towards Damascus,"-is in all probability the Baal-gad mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Joshua, seventeenth verse, as we cannot refer the name to any other locality answering to the description given.

The name is of Syriac origin, and signifies the city of Baal or the Sun, which "And salutation to you; and this is was worshipped here after the manner or sufficient for the urgency."

About six months after the date of the order from Ali Pasha, the case was returned to me at Alexandria, where it had been forwarded by Colonel Rose, with every article correct, except the brasswork and the compass.

As soon as we had left the Emir's residence, we repaired to the great temple, and the buildings connected with it, which stand at the western extremity of the city, just within the modern walls.

Baalbec surpasses in grandeur all the ruins that I have ever witnessed; and the great peculiarity of its appearance is, that it combines three distinct eras of architecture.

The purity of the atmosphere, and dryness of the climate, have done much to preserve these remains of Heliopolis for many ages; but in 1847 the viceroy directed that the ruins should be destroyed for the sake of the fine stones, which were to be employed for erecting a cavalry barracks and forage magazine. Travellers will now be deprived of the pleasure we experienced in contemplating its luxurious decorations; for it is scarcely possible to imagine or behold anything more rich in detail, and splendid in conception, than the ornamentation of the interior of the great temple, especially the doorway.

Without the ancient peribolus there was a ditch, which, together with the low wall flanked by square towers at irregular intervals, that encompasses the remaining portion of the city, would naturally lead us to suppose that it was well fortified.

Baalbec, or Balbec-called by the Greeks Heliopolis, or "The City of the Sun;" by the Arabians, "the Wonder

the Egyptians, from whom the Syrians and Chaldeans derived the idolatrous custom of heliolatry. The Greeks changed the name into Heliopolis, which is only a Greek translation of the Syriac name. The Romans retained it during their sway, but the original one of Baalbec was again assumed, and still remains.

As to the period, and by whom the city and temples of Baalbec were first founded, we are utterly ignorant. Tradition asserts, that the great and mighty king and magician, Solomon, wishing to please Belbeis, Queen of Sheba, who was an heliolater, impressed into his service all the devils and genii he could, and that by their aid the first era of architecture, consisting of the stupendous walls and platforms to be seen on the west side of the basement of the great temple, was erected. Some of the stones are of such enormous dimensions, that we can scarcely be astonished at the superstition connected with the tradition, when we reflect how ignorant the people are of the simplest principles of mechanics. They argue not, neither do they practise; how then can we expect them to be civilized?

The Arabs assert that Solomon, having amassed great wealth, had the vaulted subterranean passages constructed to secrete his treasures, and that the buildings above were only erected to conceal his design.

The first historic record of the building of the temples of Baalbec, is that given by John of Antioch, surnamed Malala, who attributes the building to “Elius Antoninus Pius, who built a great temple to Jupiter at Heliopolis, near Libanus, in Phoenicia, which was one of the wonders of the world."

Some of the coins of the Roman empe

Abulfeda and Ibn Chaukel ascribe the origin of Baalbec to the Sabæans and Aadites. Abulfaragius says that "Constantine built a temple here, and that he abolished a custom of the place that was highly disgraceful and demoralizing, and closed the pagan temples."

The present temple, which was con

rors confirm the statement of ancient | the ancient medals farther than our space authors, that Baalbec or Heliopolis was permits, and we, therefore, refer them to colonized by the Romans: thus we find the beautiful collection in the British that in the time of Julius Cæsar it was a Museum. Roman colony, and in the time of Augustus it is mentioned as a garrison town, which received part of the veterans of the fifth and eighth legions. Many other coins have the impress of the temples at Heliopolis on them, such as those of Julia Domna, Caracalla, and Septimus Severus; on the reverse of one of which is a temple, somewhat like that of Baal-verted into a church by Theodosius, was bec, with the columns in front of it, and COL. HEL. I. O. M. H.-Colonia Heliopolitana Jovi Optimo Maximo Heliopolitano, as the legend. Another medal of the same emperor has only six columns in front; and the reverses of some medals of Caracalla, Philip the Elder and his wife Otacilia, bear the same legend and design. One medal of Philip the Elder has a temple with a flight of steps leading to an area, in which is represented a similar temple to the one at Baalbec, with the legend around it of, COL. JUL. AUG. FEL. HEL.-Colonia Julia Augusta Felix Heliopolitana.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

built by Antoninus Pius in 154, A.D., and beyond that we have little to assist us in its historical, legendary, or antiquarian associations. It was reported to the emperor Heraclius as being strongly fortified and capable of sustaining a long siege; and after becoming the mart of the pillage of Syria, it was sacked and partially destroyed, and the greater part of the inhabitants put to the sword, 748, a.d. by the caliph of Damascus; after which it underwent various vicissitudes, and was pillaged in 1400 by Timour the Tartar. Since this it has been in the power and under the government of the Metawelis.

In 1759 a terrible earthquake, which overthrew many of the parts of the great temple, and loosened the stone of the soffit of the gate, so as to cause it to fall about eight or nine inches, worked great destruction, and overthrew several of the large columns of this splendid structure, which nevertheless remained nearly entire, in consequence of the excellent manner they were held together with iron cramps.

Dear reader, pardon my enthusiasm if you have never beheld Baalbec; and if you have, and possess any soul for poetry, and the charms that surround us in Eastern countries heightened by art, spare me thy criticism, for memory dwells, without tiring, upon the contemplation of the sweets that Nature displays with a lavish hand, amid the wild and desolate ruins we are describing.

We lingered long amid its neglected and lonely halls and mouldering towers, that have withstood the blast, the tempest, and the earthquake, and have only lately fallen under man's devastating

power; its deserted vaults, gloomy with the old watchwords that stirred the historical associations, lonely frowning hearts of men subjected to a cold utilitaarches, and hillocks strewn with gems of rian logic-never was the lofty home Grecian sculpture, now mouldering into influence of refined and cultivated women insignificance. Architraves, capitals, cor- more needed than now. nices, friezes, and columns, thrown into confusion by Nature's convulsions, are mingled with the briar, which twining and diving into the mass of neglected art, scatters the dew-drops from its branches to bespangle Nature's verdant mantle below; reminding us of the bounty and wisdom of Him that provided the dew to water these regions in the absence of rain.

Fain would I dwell longer amid thy ruined walls, mossed o'er with gold, for

"Thou hoary pile! majestic still,

Memento of departed fame;
While roving o'er the moss-clad hill,
I ponder on thine ancient name;
Here Grandeur, Beauty, Valour sleep,
That here so oft have shone supreme;
While Glory, Honour, Fancy, weep,

That vanish d is the golden dream."
But space compels me to quit thy halls
for a brief time, and to bid my reader,
for the present, adieu.

The overweening respect for public and professional, and even industrial life, is what creates in great measure the increased need for that higher influence. Commerce is undoubtedly the most powerful civilizer and peacemaker among nations, but it is amusing to hear commercial men speak as if they individually deserved their country's gratitude as benefactors to society. Some professions have noble objects, and all are necessary, while public men hold a power over the fate of their country that may well stir a manly ambition; but still we cannot disguise the fact that even public life too often, and professions always, are embraced as a means of living. And as the motives of the man, so must we judge him individually. The motives are quite reasonable, but he can aspire to no patriotic praise; and while he is forced so to toil, some of the highest interests of society may be suffering. Few, for instance, but the wildest democrats will

MAMMON CHECKED BY WOMANLY pretend that the United States do not

INFLUENCE.

suffer from the absence of a class who have leisure and refinement, whose tastes and pursuits might affect the moral and intellectual tone of society. And if a country thus suffers because moneymaking is the all but universal pursuit of her sons, what would it be if her daughters also were generally subjected to the same influence? It is a matter of common remark how superior American women are generally to the men; and who can tell how far the marked deference to women has preserved those rude republicans from a lower state of social morals ? What the influence of an aristocracy is upon public opinion, upon tastes and manners, and all those things in life and feeling that are connected with them, such in great measure is the true influence of women, affecting the whole current of active life without mingling in it.

THE world for men, and home for women, has been the time-honoured theory of life among us, and beautiful does that theory still seem to us and most valuable, even when hard necessity forces it open to be set aside in practice. It is valuable to men as keeping alive the better and softer part of their nature by the acknowledged claim of the weak upon the strong. It is valuable to women as giving them leisure to fit themselves for their true avocation as educators of the young, and the guardians of all that is refined and pure in social morals. It is valuable to the general interests of society for all these reasons, and because it helps to counteract the materializing tendencies of an age whose most crying want is that of stronger spiritual aspirations. With declining faith-fierce competition for gold-indifference to abstract truth (implied in the sordid views of knowledge), vour to be what you desire to appear.—Socrutes.

THE way to gain a good reputation is to endea

THE DANCE OF THE WILLIS.

A TRADITION OF HUNGARY.

It was the delicious season of May: the glowing rays of the setting sun, the cloudless sky, the murmur of the wind through the trees, the song of the nightingale, and the fragrance of the flowers, awakened the sensibility of the young squire, whose heart, at this moment full of enjoyment, could have shrined the whole universe in brotherhood and affection.

FROM a tower of his castle, the proud Baron of Loewenstein regarded, with a gloomy countenance, the narrow path conducting from the summit of a neighbouring hill into the valley beneath the walls of the fortress. At this moment, a young man passed through the gate of the ancient building on horseback, and the Baron on perceiving him laughed with a sinister expression, and calling a servant ordered him to inform Emelka his daughter that her presence was re-gave a signal indicated by the Baron, quired. and immediately afterwards, & porter made his appearance.

The maiden entered the apartment of her stern father, beautiful as a star smiling amidst dark clouds. He took her hand, and conducted her to the tower gallery.

"Do you see," he exclaimed, "yonder cavalier, who is galloping towards the forest ?"

[ocr errors]

Yes," answered Emelka, shuddering with a secret foreboding, "he is Gyula, your Squire, father!"

66

'Well," returned the Baron coldly, you will never behold him again."

The maiden tottered, as if struck by a sudden blow. Her eyes closed, and a deadly paleness overspread her features. The Baron was obliged to sustain her, or she would have fallen, and calling the attendants, his daughter was conveyed to her chamber more dead than alive.

Meanwhile, Gyula continued his way towards the convent of the Templars of Posteny, without the least suspicion of the fate designed for him. He had a letter to deliver to the Prior, and congratulated himself on the confidence reposed in him by the Baron, who had selected him for this honour. He passionately loved Emelka, and, secure in her attachment, it may easily be conceived that his thoughts, as he rode onwards, were of the most agreeable character.

Towards evening, he entered a forest adjoining the convent, to which he had been directed, and, according to his instructions, he remained there until night.

After continuing his route for a short distance, he suddenly perceived before him, in gloomy majesty, the old towers of the convent to which his message was designed. On arriving at the gate, he

"From whence do you come ?" he demanded of the Squire.

"I am charged with a letter to the Prior, from the Baron of Loewenstein,” replied Gyula.

"Then follow me," returned the monk, leading the way through a dark and narrow passage to a small staircase, which they mounted. The Brother knocked softly at the door, and after a voice had replied from within in a low murmur, the Squire was told to enter, and the porter returned to his lodge.

In a richly sculptured chair was seated the Superior, pale and immovable, more like an antique statue than a living being. Casting a rapid glance on the messenger, a slight movement agitated his features, and he passed his hand over his brow, as if he was endeavouring to recall some image or event to his memory. Quickly recovering himself, however, he took the letter presented to him by Gyula, and read it with a look of such dark meaning, that the Squire felt some misgiving.

"What is your name?" he demanded, at length.

66

Gyula Ferheggi."

"Who were your parents?"

"Geisa Ferheggi and Susa Lorandi. Both are now dead."

[ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small]

tenance of the monk. He pointed to a | anxiety, I summoned resolution, and deseat, and then addressed the messenger: termined to obtain a decision. Accord

"This letter is addressed to my prede-ingly, mounting on horseback, I proceeded cessor, who died suddenly a few days to the castle she inhabited, with the since, and the Baron of Loewenstein has intention of speaking to the Baron, her not been informed of the circumstance. sire, a proud and sordid noble, and avowThe instructions are to this effect:- Puting my love for his daughter. to death the bearer of this note, who, notwithstanding his humble fortunes, has dared to raise his hopes to an union with my daughter. Let him die, but secretly, so that I may never behold him again.'

دوو

"Does love," exclaimed Gyula, "depend only upon wealth ?"

"Peace," answered the Superior. "According to the will of those higher than myself, I ought to obey the orders of the Baron. But this command shall not be executed. Swear to me that you will never reveal this matter to any one."

"I swear," replied Gyula, pressing the hand of the old man with ardour.

"You must " resumed the latter, "leave this night. Here is a letter I had intended to have sent by a brother of this monastery, to the commandant of our order in Croatia, but you shall be the messenger. Read it, and remember the name you must assume, for, when it is presented you will be received into the brotherhood of that district. Conduct yourself, when admitted, with prudence and patience, the rest you may leave to Providence. If all the world should abandon you, have recourse to me."

"But why, my father," exclaimed Gyula, "have I merited this interest ?"

"You have recalled to my heart times and scenes long passed away, and these impressions have affected me, for a reason I will disclose to you. Until now, I have been the only living depository of this secret. You are indebted, young Squire, to your mother for two lives. I loved her with all the ardour of youth, and this passion, although somewhat subdued by age and care, still exists, and will end only with my life. While she was yet young, I saw her often in her father's house, but I had a rival in my suit, and he was your father. At length, unable to endure the fearful suspense and

"Ah!' exclaimed the servant to me as I entered, 'you have arrived just in time to share in the festivities that are taking place here. My young mistress is affianced!'

"I had great difficulty in controlling my emotions; my heart was nearly bursting with grief and disappointment. I gave the man a ring, the same you now wear on your finger, and desiring him to deliver it to his mistress, I quitted hastily the castle, and became a Templar. She was married, and I was doomed to solitude and celibacy by the vows I had taken. One day, a Knight craved the hospitality of our convent, and while relating the different events that had lately passed under his observation, and for which I felt but little interest, he happened to mention your mother. He described the brilliancy of the wedding ceremony, and said that the maiden, although surrounded by every luxury that could dazzle a young imagination, was sad: from which circumstance, it was generally believed she had a secret love for another, and that, in uniting herself to the successful suitor, she was a victim to the imperious will of her father. These words vibrated on my heart, but it was too late. I never saw her afterwards. I was sent into the East, and sought death everywhere, but the stroke which would have ended my afflictions was withheld for a wise purpose. It is only a few days since that I returned to this monastery, and I do not regret having escaped the chains of the Saracen, since it has made me the preserver of your life. But time presses: hasten away, and if at some future day you feel yourself the prey of anguish, think of me, and the sufferings I have endured."

The young man embraced the monk gratefully, unable, from excess of emotion, to express otherwise his thanks, and then left the apartment. Quickly pur

« PreviousContinue »