Chapter XVIII: Section II

NATIONAL AND POLITICAL ANALOGIES--HISTORICAL AND TRADITIONAL--A
TRANSLATION OF THE HIEROGLYPHICAL ALTAR OF COPAN, &c.

History proves the fact that the higher orders of animals and birds, have been selected as the symbolical emblems of different nations,--as for instance, the British Lion,--the Gallic Cock,--the Roman and the American Eagle, and many others. The Dove was the bird of Babylon and Nineveh,--this was natural, as those cities were the most ancient, and nearest to the time of the Deluge,--and consequently the Dove became the apparent emblem of safety; and it is a strong proof of the historical fact of the Deluge and the "Dove." The next beautiful bird of a peaceful character is the Swan, and this was selected by another immediate branch of Noah's family--viz., the Canaanites. It has already been shewn that the house of Canaan was the original of that of the Tyrians. The antiquary, Jacob Bryant, says concerning this emblem of the Canaanites, "that where they, or their descendants (_i. e._ Tyrians) may have settled, there will a story be found in reference to Swans." Now when the above learned writer penned that general remark, he little thought that it would be brought to bear upon the identity of the Tyrians in the Western Hemisphere; and therefore, in its application, it is of greater authority, from that very fact. He says--_that where the Tyrians may have settled, we may expect to hear some story or tradition about a_ SWAN OR SWANS. Admitting this to be truth, (and he is quoted as authority upon antiquities,) _then is there proof that the Mexican Aborigines were Tyrians_, as the following incident from acknowledged history will shew. About two centuries before the Spanish Conquest,--the Aztecas,--(Mexican proper) were oppressed by a neighbouring kingdom; the latter demanded as a tribute, that the former should bring one of their celebrated floating gardens from the Lake of Mexico,--this tributary present was accomplished, with great labour and difficulty. The next year this demand was repeated, and with this addition--viz., _that their emblematical bird_, THE SWAN, should, also, be brought with it, and in the Garden, sitting on her eggs,--and that the present should be so timed as to its arrival, that the eggs should be hatched, when the Garden was presented to the King demanding the National tribute;--this was actually accomplished, _and the Cygnets came forth_ as the imperious Monarch received the present. Now the substance of the above was recorded by the Spanish Historian over three centuries since, and with no idea to establish that those Aborigines were Tyrians;--it may, therefore, be received as a record of fact,--at all events it came to the Historian from the Mexicans as a "story" of their race,--handed down from sire to son, as a "tradition" of their ancestors. In those respects alone--"story or tradition"--the proof of identity required by Bryant is completely established. "Where the Tyrians are you may expect to hear some story or tradition about Swans."--Well then, here is the "story" and "tradition" together with the historical fact,--and Swans form the material:--but, they have been dying in music for centuries yet unregarded;--they have been as a symbolical record buried in a people's Sepulchre,--and which the opening of a Nation's tomb has alone brought to light. The classic reader will remember, that Jupiter assumed the form of the Bird of Canaan, when he sought and won the love of Leda!

We will now endeavour to translate the Hieroglyphics, and Sculpture, upon, and around, the Chief Altar of Copan. We commence with the proposition that the hieroglyphics merely explain the Sculpture, and that if the Sculpture can be explained, the sense of the hieroglyphics, as a consequence, will be translated. If we shall read the Sculpture aright, we believe that it will be found to record a National Act of Friendship,--whereby the Tyrians had the power of reaching America. We will not anticipate our History by now stating the detail of that act of amity,--it will be sufficient for the present purpose to mention, that the act occurred between the Sidonians and the Tyrians,--it was an act of friendship in front of death itself,--and death in its most terrific form, both of torture and of infamy.

Mr. Stephens, in writing of the thirty-six compartments, or squares,--of hieroglyphics on the top of the Altar, says--

"They without doubt record some _event in the history_ of the mysterious people who once inhabited the City" (_i. e._ Copan).

We believe it,--and that the _basso_-Sculpture on the four sides, as already stated, illustrates the hieroglyphics on the surface. The _details_ of the Sculpture must be first reviewed, in order to establish even analogy in the _accessories_ of the Altar. 1st. _The "two Serpents"_--(and the same are around the walls of Uxmal).

The Serpent with the Tyrians (who copied it from their neighbours of Egypt) was their Agatho-dæmon,--or _good demon_ of the country,--and would naturally be used to illustrate any strong act of faith, or friendship; and as a mutual act of amity had taken place between these two nations,--the Mother and Child,--for Tyrus was "the Daughter of Sidon,"--it follows that _two serpents_ were necessary to illustrate the compound act. We have seen an ancient Tyrian Coin, on the reverse of which is a Serpent entwining an Egg,--it may be translated thus,--an Egg is the emblem of life, and it being very large upon the Coin in proportion to the Serpent, represents the germ of the Nation's life,--the Serpent by coiling around it, presents the _good demon_ (power or Spirit) of the Country protecting the Egg, or Nation, from external injury by its numerous embraces,--the warmth of which would, also, bring it into active life. The Altar is described as standing "on four _globes_ cut out of the stone,"--now a globe conveys the idea only of a perfect sphere, but from the drawings of the Altar these "globes" are distinctly _oval_, and consequently represent the form of _Eggs_ and not "globes!" On the Coin above alluded to, the Egg is a principal emblem, and that of life,--and those symbols forming the Corner-stones, or foundation of the Altar, seem to illustrate that the story of the Sculpture represents the very _existence_,--or _rather the birth of the Nation_ in its present locality, (_i. e._ Copan). This we believe is the fact, and the warrant for the assertion we will hereafter prove to be founded on the authority of Classical History itself. This Altar we have ever regarded as the Key-stone to the Arch, of these historical sepulchres, and architectural wonders of the Western wilderness.

The Serpents and the Eggs then are essentially Tyrian emblems.

In the description of the Altar one of the two chief personages holds in his hand an "instrument" or sceptre--but each of the lesser figures an "object"--which in the engraving is a _spiral shell_. These shells, also, illustrate the Nation of Tyrus, for the spiral shell is found upon nearly all the coins of that ancient country! It was placed on their coins in honour of the discovery of the secret of the celebrated colour, called by the ancients,--the Tyrian Dye. That renowned colour was not made from any earth or mineral, but from the purple murex,--or the dye _shellfish_. It was first discovered by a Tyrian on the shores of Tyrus,--who, wandering with his Dog, suddenly observed the mouth of his faithful companion to be empurpled,--and upon investigation, he found that it arose from the animal crushing between his teeth, _a small shellfish_, just then thrown upon the Tyrian beach by the waters of the Mediterranean. Improving upon the discovery, the Tyrians became so renowned for their dye used in regal and costly mantles, that in commemoration of the event, they placed upon their Coins the _shell_,--nor was the original discoverer forgotten, for upon a Tyrian Coin (Calmet, No. 16) the Dog is seen approaching the Shell! Some writers have questioned the manner of the discovery,--but the last-mentioned Coin confirms the historical account.

The Shell was also adapted to personify the marine character of Tyrus,--and it being upon the Altar may be viewed as another emblem of that country,--which, with the Serpents and Eggs, cannot have been placed there by caprice or accident,--but rather with absolute intent, having reference to an historical design in the Sculpture. The figures are all seated "cross-legged in the _Oriental_ fashion." Their very position then substantiates Montezuma's assertion to Cortez, that his Ancestors many ages past, come from "_the East_."

One of the chief personages to the "negotiation," as Mr. Stephens calls the group, has a "Sceptre" in his hand,--and there is none in the hand of the other King or Cadmus,--(as the ancient Phœnician Chiefs were called;)--this incident is another proof of the correct reading of the Act of Amity; for at the time of its performance, Tyrus had ceased to be a nation--but Sidon had not,--the former had lost all her powers of safety,--the latter retained them,--and could, and did extend them to her "Daughter," who is represented as presenting a Shell,--perhaps the Secret of the "Dye"--as a tributary offering to her Parent,--who appears on the Altar more elevated than the other Chief figure. This still further illustrates the fact of the single sceptre and its application.

Believing, from the general and early character of the Sculpture, that Copan was the first built city in Ancient America,--we are still further warranted in the belief from the definition of the Chief Altar,--for it appears to illustrate in every particular, both by incidents and emblems, the _last_ event of Tyrus in its Asiatic history, but which was the _first_ event leading to the existence of the Tyrians in the Western Hemisphere. This important fact will be detailed in the History of Tyrus,--and at the present moment we will observe (without anticipating the event) that there is nothing in the Sculpture of the Altar, at variance with the illustration of that fact of History; but, on the contrary, every particular of the Sculpture completely defines the Nation and the incident. The _basso_ sculpture of the Altar would, also, indicate an earlier erection than the surrounding "Idols," which are in _Alto_.

An analogy is, also, found in the political divisions, and the peculiar governments of the Mother-Country in Asia and Africa, and her descendants in Mexican America. In each Hemisphere there was a mixture of Monarchies and Republics;--as thus,--Sidon and Tyrus were governed by Kings--while Carthage, after the death of her first and only Monarch--Dido--became a Republic, and remained so,--and this fact created the lasting jealousy of the Romans. The same was in the Western Continent.--Mexico and other Nations were Monarchies, while other portions of the country were Republics. This is proved from the fact, that the most powerful war Montezuma the _First_ ever engaged in, was that, in which the _three Republics_ joined as a common cause against the brave, but despotic Monarch of Mexico.

As a National analogy may be viewed the Military character and locality of Copan,--this, also, strengthens our belief that this city was the first erected,--for although on the Altars no Sculpture is found representing weapons of war,--and in a Temple to Religion there should not be,--yet this Temple is but the centre, of what may be termed the _Citadel_ of Copan. The entire Ruins (it will be remembered) are traceable for a distance of "over two miles," along the banks of the River,--and on the opposite side, at the distance of a mile, and on an eminence two thousand feet high, (thus overlooking every approach to the city,) is found _a ruined Stone Structure_, and almost evident from its locality, to have been originally a signal, or watch-tower. The city is, also, built on the banks of the River, _and above "the falls,"_ thus forming a _natural_ defence against any approach from the Sea,--while any attempt to reach the Citadel by water from the Source of the River, was frustrated by the erection of a high perpendicular wall ("nearly 100 feet"), forming a river façade of "six hundred and twenty-four feet,"--(nearly the eighth of a mile)--this is based upon an elevated embankment of about "thirty feet,"--_and_ was formerly protected from any flooding of the river, by a water-wall along the whole range of the Citadel-Temple. The great wall is in ruins at the summit, therefore many feet may have fallen down,--thus proving that its entire height with the embankment (as before expressed) must have ranged from one hundred and forty, to _one hundred and fifty feet_. Now there is nothing in Egypt (as a plumb-wall) to be compared with this,--nor does the Nile of ancient days, possess a perpendicular wall,--and there is no marine Nation of antiquity that can lay the analogous claim to such a wall, equal to _Tyrus_,--for her Citadel-city in Asia was bordered by the waters of the Tyrian harbour,--and to secure its safety from human invasion, or that of the Sea, the ancient inhabitants of that Island-mart _erected perpendicular walls, one hundred and fifty feet in height_! Copan then possesses an analogy to the capital of ancient Tyrus,--and as that was the _last city_ left by the Aborigines in Asia, it appears but natural that they should endeavour to imitate it, in building their _first city_ in a foreign land. We submit that this is a strong analogy, and founded upon justifiable reasoning.

The Wreck of an ancient Galley has been found in Mexican America, deeply imbedded in the sands,--now this must have been (upon a minute investigation) the remains of a Phœnician vessel,--for the Greeks and Romans had no galleys on the Atlantic waters, or even the Indian Ocean, until the time of Alexander,--but the Tyrians had,--and, as will be proved (in the next Book of this Volume), nearly _one thousand years before the Christian Æra_, and _again, six centuries_ before the period of The Advent.

Circumcision was practised in Mexican America from two distinct reasons. 1st. From a supposition that it was conducive to health; and 2dly, from a Religious custom; this last fact will be required for the third volume,--the former only will be here brought forward, for the purpose of proving another analogy. Circumcision was practised by the Egyptians, Ethiopians, Tyrians, Colchians, and Cappadocians, upon the belief that personal safety would be the result; and the custom might, therefore, be viewed as a sacrifice to Hygeia,--the Goddess of Health,--and in this sacrifice many of the _females_ of Egypt did not exempt themselves. The custom, however, was _optional_,--_this is proved by the Egyptian Mummies_!--There were no laws to enforce it (except upon the _Priests_ of Egypt), as among the Israelites and Jews, with whom, as an entire people, it was, and is, one of the most sacred customs, established by a Covenant between The Father of the Universe, and the patriarch of Israel. In the division of the Land of Canaan between the Twelve Tribes, by JOSHUA,--the Tribe of Asher was located on the confines of Sidon and Tyrus.--JOSHUA re-established the Covenant of Circumcision, after it had been purposely laid aside by MOSES during the "forty years" wandering in the Wilderness. It was, therefore, practised by the immediate neighbours of the Tyrians, and it is apparent to belief, that the custom was received among the Phœnicians owing to their juxtaposition with a Tribe of Israel. The Egyptians received the custom in a similar manner,--viz., during the sojourn of Israel in Egypt. The Tribe of Asher,--and its customs, gradually encroached upon the Idolatry and manners of the Phœnicians,--for we find (upon the authority of Malte Brun) that the members of that Tribe (Asher) were driven back from all the sea-coast to the interior, by the Sidonians and Tyrians;--the custom, however, in an _optional_ character, remained with the Tyrians,--and in that manner it was practised by the Mexican Aborigines.

In viewing the above analogy, it must be evident to the reader,--that in the fact of _optional_ Circumcision (no matter from what motive) another proof is seen of the _two distinct races_ in Ancient America,--for in the _North_, as stated heretofore, where it is practised, it is only in the form of a _Religious_ rite.

The tradition of the ancient Mexicans as to _where they came from_, is directly in favour of this work. Upon Cortez asking Montezuma the Second, the origin of the Mexican race,--the Monarch answered,--that many ages ago they came from "_The East_"--(_i. e._ from where the Sun rises)--and as he then was speaking _in_ Mexico, "_The East_" is at once defined to be across the Atlantic Ocean. The coast of Phœnicia was always denominated "_The East_"--this is absolute on the authority of Holy Writ, and in that definition, _Tyrus_ is distinctly spoken of: viz.--

"All the nations have I destroyed before them: and in _the East_, I have scattered the people of the provinces, even of _Tyrus_ and Sidon." [Esdras ii. 12.]

Sahagun the Spanish historian, who lived nearly sixty years with the Mexicans, and wrote about fifteen years after the Conquest by Cortez (1520) relates, that, from their traditional history, handed down from remote antiquity,--_the Aborigines of the Country, first_ TOUCHED at Florida,--then_ COASTED _along, until they reached the Bay of Honduras,--and they then_ LANDED.

It will be observed that the terms "touched" "coasted" and "landed" are phrases belonging exclusively to Navigation,--this confirms the reply of Montezuma, that his ancestors originally _came_ FROM _the East_, for by Navigation only could they come from that quarter,--and as a consequence they sailed _towards the West_, and across the Atlantic Ocean!

The tradition of having "_first touched at_ FLORIDA," is as remarkable, as the means of Nature whereby it was accomplished, which will be investigated and established in the last pages of this Volume.

Cortez wished to sail around the Bay of Honduras, the Point of Yucatan, and thence into the Gulph of Mexico,--and inquired if there were descriptions of those coasts. Montezuma instantly presented to the Spaniard _Maps and Charts of the entire Coast_, and from these, Cortez steered, and sailed in his perilous voyage around Honduras, and by the correctness of the Charts, he accomplished his expedition in safety. This account he wrote home to his Emperor and Master, Charles the Fifth,--it is consequently history:--no argument is, therefore, required to prove their Knowledge, and that of their ancestors in the Science of Navigation;--and what people in the Asiatic world were such "pilots and mariners" as the ancient Tyrians? If the Mexican Aborigines had sprung from a race (like the Israelites of the North) having _no_ knowledge of navigation, it would have been impossible to have had Maps and Charts from their remote ancestors, and to have continued the scientific practice of that knowledge among themselves.

This is another strong proof of the _two_ races of Aborigines on the Western Continent; and of the different means whereby their migrations were accomplished.

Sahagun, also, relates that from testimony of tradition, and _their historical Paintings_, that their ancestors, _as a Colony_--arrived on the American coast (first touching at Florida) _before the Christian Æra_! It should be observed that this account by the Spaniard was written over three hundred years ago,--it was then laughed at,--but the time was computed both by the Aborigines and Sahagun,--_the former_, as well as the latter, had a knowledge of the Christian Æra, as will be proved in the third volume,--That knowledge was conveyed to them _after_ the arrival of the colony;--and nearly fifteen centuries before the conquest by Cortez!

The Ruins in Ancient America, together with relative facts, prove that Sahagun's account in regard to _time_ is correct; and that their original ancestors _did_ arrive before the Christian Æra. The same Historian says, that from their historical traditions, the Mexican Aborigines were originally a Colony;--which term may be received as explanatory of their small _number_, and that only,--for had they been "a Colony" according to the modern and general acceptation of the word, there would have been some Mother-land to claim her foreign Children,--but, none appears upon the Books of History.

They then arrived "before the Christian Æra,"--this then places them in a positive position,--for the Nation from whence they came, must have existed before that sacred period,--and the Nation (as a people) must have had knowledge of, and the means of Navigation, since it is already established that they arrived in that manner. The "mind's eye" must instantly glance at the Tyrians, as the people having those means, and being in existence anterior to the Christian Æra. The Tyrians did compose that "colony,"--not sent forth from their own land by care and affection; but, driven forth (as we will prove) by terror and despair!--They were the "pilots and mariners," and the "merchant princes" of the desperate hazard:--their knowledge and skill in navigation, were the champions daring the united powers of Neptune and Boreas, and upon a Naumachian arena, where a prow had never cut through a liquid track: Neptune permitted the refugees to pass on to freedom,--for the Ocean-God remains now, as when he first received from Creation upon his broad breast, the panoply of Light,--_scarless_:-- and for all the wild wars of Elements and Man upon that panoply,--the lightning's rapid shafts,--the iron-tempest from earth's artillery,--still that bright armour--reflecting Heaven on its surface--retains no impress from the fierce battery of the Storm-cloud, or from Man's weaker power, or ambition!