aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

ATHENS. 879
Never can we forget our sensations when casting a first
glance at the Acropolis. Passing up the Propillion, or
grand entrance, we had a fine view of Mars Hill, where
Paul .preached the "Unknown God" to the Athenians.
Two massive pillars of the Temple of Bacchus are still
standing. There was a subterranean passage leading from
this temple of mystic rites into the vast amphitheater.
The Temple of Minerva and the Temple of the Winds are
nearly piles of ruin. The Temple of the Muses, nine
figures of choicest marble, must have been very beautiful.
To the right of the Acropolis, massive and stately, is the
Temple of Jupiter Olympus, many of whose proud columns,
having defied the storms and devastating forces of time,
remain as standing signals of architectural splendor and perfection.
England has rifled some of these old temples to
supply its museums with models for modern sculptors and
artists.
Among the most celebrated of the ancient oracles was
Delphos. Princes and philosophers flocked thither for consultations.
Upon the hights of Mount Parnassus stood the
magnificent Temple of Apollo ; while at the foot was the
spring of Castalia. Of this fountain, the Pythia, or priestess,
drank : and in its crystal waters she bathed before
invoking the presence of the gods. Then clothing herself
in white, emblem of purity, she was magnetized by spirits,
and spoke under their influence.
Nestling near the base of Mars Hill is the prison-cave
where superstitious Greeks confined that ancient Grecian
philosopher and Spiritualist, Socrates. The coarsely constructed
iron gate, nearly wasted away, is still shown the
traveler. The dingy, chalky apartment seemed cut into the
side of the hill, — a gloomy den to converse with a Crito
and an Alcibiades. Greece and Judea awarded to their
inspired teachers crosses and hemlock-draughts. Such was
gratitude. Have the times, only in methods, materially
changed?