DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6551#0094
RETURN FROM UPPER EGYPT. '63
human shape, and not in that of a bird. In the chamber,
where the birth of Horus is delineated, there is a curious
representation of a bird encircled by the flowers of the
lotus, having on the one side a serpent, and on the other
two priests in the act of worshipping a serpent suspended
upon a cross, which has a great resemblance to the
usual representation of the Brazen Serpent in the
Wilderness.
I was informed that Mr. Hay had discovered a pass-
age under the water, composed of solid masonry, between
this island and that of Bigge, and that the entrance was
from a shaft amongst the ruins of the Great Temple.
The island of Bigge is singularly composed of high
mountains of granite interspersed with fields of doura,
and with the huts of a few inhabitants built amongst
foundations, mounds of rubbish, and ruined walls, in such
a manner that no building of any consequence can be
examined without previously destroying them. I saw the
remains of a Roman arch, and a block in one of the huts
inscribed with hieroglyphics, and no doubt many antient
memorials have in like manner been consigned to tem-
porally or perpetual oblivion. It was a romantic, and in
many respects interesting place, from the strong contrast
of the fantastic masses of barren stone with the luxuriant
human shape, and not in that of a bird. In the chamber,
where the birth of Horus is delineated, there is a curious
representation of a bird encircled by the flowers of the
lotus, having on the one side a serpent, and on the other
two priests in the act of worshipping a serpent suspended
upon a cross, which has a great resemblance to the
usual representation of the Brazen Serpent in the
Wilderness.
I was informed that Mr. Hay had discovered a pass-
age under the water, composed of solid masonry, between
this island and that of Bigge, and that the entrance was
from a shaft amongst the ruins of the Great Temple.
The island of Bigge is singularly composed of high
mountains of granite interspersed with fields of doura,
and with the huts of a few inhabitants built amongst
foundations, mounds of rubbish, and ruined walls, in such
a manner that no building of any consequence can be
examined without previously destroying them. I saw the
remains of a Roman arch, and a block in one of the huts
inscribed with hieroglyphics, and no doubt many antient
memorials have in like manner been consigned to tem-
porally or perpetual oblivion. It was a romantic, and in
many respects interesting place, from the strong contrast
of the fantastic masses of barren stone with the luxuriant