Edwards, Amelia B.: A thousand miles up the Nile (New York, [1888])

136 A THOUSAND.MILKS UP THE NILE.

one end a, flame-like obelisk ; at the other, a solitary palm
against a background of glowing mountain. To right, to
left, showing transversely through long files of columns,
we catch glimpses of colossal bas-reliefs lining the roofless
walls in every direction. The king, as usual, figures in
every group, and performs the customary acts of worship.
The gods receive and approve him. Half in light, half in
shadow, these slender, fantastic forms stand out sharp and
clear and colorless ; each figure some eighteen or twenty
feet in height. They could scarcely have looked more
weird when the great roof was in its place and perpetual
twilight reigned. But it is difficult to imagine the roof
on and the sky shut out. It all looks right as it is; and
one feels, somehow, that such columns should have noth-
ing between them and the infinite blue depths of heaven.

The great central avenue was, however, sufficiently
lighted by means of a double row of clerestory windows,
some of which are yet standing. Certain writers have
suggested that they may have been glazed; but this seems
improbable for two reasons. Firstly, because one or two
of these huge window-frames yet contain the solid stone
gratings which in the present instance seem to have done
duty for a translucent material; and, secondly, because we
have no evidence to show that the early Egyptians, though
familiar since the days of Cheops with the use of the blow-
pipe, ever made glass in sheets, or introduced it in this
way into their buildings.

How often has it been written, and how often must it
be repeated, that the great hall at Karnak is the noblest
architectural work ever designed and executed by human
hands ? One writer tells us that it covers four times the
area occupied by the cathedral of JSiotre Dame in Paris.
Another measures it against St. Peter's. All admit their
inability to describe it; yet all attempt the description.
To convey a concrete image of the place to one who has
not seen it, is, however, as I have already said, impossible.
If it could be likened to this place or that, the task would
not be so difficult; but there is, in truth, no building in
the wide world to compare with it. The pyramids are
more stupendous. The colosseum covers more ground.
The parthenon is more beautiful. Yet in nobility of con-
ception, in vastness of detail, in majesty of the highest
order, the hall of pillars exceeds them every one. This