I.

provinces of our island, no instance of the pointed CHAP. style adorned those ecclesiastical establishments in the north, which, having no connexion with the Saxons, were erected at an earlier period, and after a different model? It is conceived that this question cannot be answered, by urging that the pointed style originated in our country from the intersection of circular arches. The fact of the existence of pointed arches, before the period assigned for their invention in England, is a plain document, which cannot be superseded : it rests upon the evidence of pointed arches situate

(3) See the very recent but most satisfactory elucidation of this subject, by the Rev. T. Kerrich, read before the Society of Antiquaries, May, 11, 18, and June 1, 1809, and since published in the XVIth volume of their Archæologia. Speaking of the supposed English origin of Gothic architecture, Mr. Kerrich says, "The late Mr. Gilpin, I believe, first broached this notion, (See Gilpin's Northern Tour, vol. I.) at least he first delivered it to the world in print: he had never been out of England: he was therefore excusable: but how people who have travelled, and had visited the other countries of Europe, could patronize such a notion, is really surprising: they must know, unless they voluntarily shut their eyes, that, throughout the Low Countries, from ST. OMER'S to COLOGNE, the old churches are all Gothic; and many of them immense structures, and wonderfully beautiful; such as the cathedrals of Antwerp and Mechlin, St. Gudule's at Brussels, and St. Bavon's at Ghent, and numberless others. The whole of France is covered with them, from Calais to Lyons, and quite to the banks of the Rhine, where the cathedral of Strasburg is eminently light and beautiful. The cathedral and church of St. Nicaise at Rheims, the cathedrals of Amiens, Rouen, and Evreux, are also well known as buildings of extraordinary dimensions and elegance in this style of architecture. According to Ponz's Voyage de España, and

I.

CHAP. in countries then unknown to Englishmen ; as in the Tombs of Oriental Tartary; also of pointed arches in Egypt and in the Holy Land, in the examples already alluded to; and there are others which have not been adduced. The roof of a chamber in one of the pyramids of Saccára, in Egypt, is so constructed, that the section of it would exhibit a lancet form; the sides being inclined at an angle of about sixty degrees1. But even with reference to buildings erected in the twelfth century, and especially to the mosque and sepulchre of Sultan Zahir, near the eastern gate of Cairo, will the assumption be deemed sufficient to account for the pointed arches they

the writings of other travellers, the case is the very same in every kingdom of SPAIN." Mr. Kerrich then proves its existence, and describes its remains, over all GERMANY and ITALY. See Observations on Gothic Buildings and Architecture, by the Rev. T. Kerrich, Principal Librarian of the University of Cambridge, M. A., F. S. A. Archæologia, vol. XVI. p. 299, et seq. Lond. 1811.

(1) The author himself saw this roof, in his subsequent visit to those Pyramids; but having neglected to notice it in his Journal, and preserving only a doubtful recollection of the fact, he consulted his friend Burckhärdt, now travelling in Egypt, upon the subject of its existence. The following is an Extract from a Letter, dated Cairo, July 10, 1815, containing Mr. Burckhardt's answer. "There is a large room in one of the Pyramids to the south of those which are commonly called, Pyramids of Saccara,' the roof of which is formed by the inclination of the two sides; which meet above, at an angle of about sixty or sixty-five degrees." Burckhardt's MS. Letter.

(2) Vid. Museum Worsleyanum, p. 87. Lond. 1794 Caliph Zahir lived in the twelfth century.

I.

exhibit; that "the Caliph who built them, perhaps CHAP. employed some Christian slaves in the work." The supposition itself involves an absurdity; for if an intolerant Moslem had given such a preference to Christians who were his slaves, these men must have been supernaturally inspired with architectural knowledge for the undertaking.

Acre has been described as the scene of a very interesting story in English history, which may, however, be destitute of any real foundation in truth. It is related by Speed, that Eleanor, wife of Edward the First, here drew the poison from her husband's arm, after he had been poignarded by an assassin; applying her lips to the wound. "Pitie it is," says Fuller, "so pretty a storie should not be true (with all the miracles in Love's legends)! and sure he shall get himself no credit, who undertaketh to confute a passage so sounding to the honour of the sex; yet can it not stand with what others have written3,-How the physician, who was dresse his wounds, spake to the Lord Edmund

to

(3) See Speed's Hist. of Edward the First.

(4) Fuller's Historie of the Holy Warre, book iv. chap. 29, p. 220Camb. 1651.

(5) See Fox, Martyrolog. p. 337.

1.

CHAP. and the Lord John Voysie, to take away Ladie Elenor out of the prince's presence, lest her pitie should be cruel towards him, in not suf fering his sores to be searched to the quick. And though she cried out, and wrung her hands, Madame,' said they,' he contented: it is better that one woman should weep a little while, than that all the realm of England should lament a great season:' and so they conducted her out of the place." The tradition, however, which, after all, is not disproved by the evidence Fuller has adduced, has given rise to one of the finest specimens of modern sculpture existing in the world and as it affords, perhaps, the only remaining proof of the surprising abilities of an English artist (snatched from the of Deure, pursuit of fame in the very opening of a career sculptor. which might have classed him with the best

Anecdote

an English

sculptors of Ancient Greece), the author considers it a patriotic duty to pay some tribute to its

(1) The work of John Deare, who, at a very early period of life, attained to a surprising degree of perfection in sculpture and design. He died a few years ago, at Rome, at the very time when the first proofs of his genius began to obtain the patronage necessary for its full developement. The particular work alluded to is a bas-relief, executed in the marble of Carrara. It was purchased by Sir Corbet Corbet, an English baronet, and belongs now to his collection. This brief allusion to a young artist, who would have been an honour to his country, is perhaps the only biographical document concerning him likely to be made public.

merit, and, thereby, to the memory of its CHAP. author.

Egypt.

Our voyage from Acre was as prosperous as Voyage to the former one had been from Egypt. The serenity of the Mediterranean, at this season of the year, is surprisingly contrasted with the tremendous storms whieh prevail during the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. We steered for Egypt with every sail extended; but were impelled by such gentle breezes, that the motion of the frigate was scarcely perceptible. On the twentyfirst of July, at seven o'clock P. M. we were under weigh, and about ten came to anchor off Cape Carmel. The next morning, at four A. M. we made sail again, and continued our progress all that day and the following night, without any occurrence worth notice. On the morning of July the twenty-fourth, at seven A. M. the Island of Cyprus was visible, bearing N. N. w. distant ten or eleven leagues. At five A. M. of the following morning, the same island was still in view, and nearly at the same distance, bearing N. and by E.

July the twenty-sixth, at seven P. M. we hailed the Thisbe frigate. This day, being Sunday, we accompanied Captain Culverhouse to the gun