Chapter IV: Part 4

But to come to their sacred works, which in regard of this _Antiquity_, are (it’s true) of most concernment, I find the _Romans_ used (as _Vitruvius_ witnesseth) such manner of _Temples_. For (in his fourth Book, and seventh Chapter) he delivers, there were amongst others two forms of round _Temples_, commonly in use amongst them, the one called _Monopteros_; the other _Peripteros_. This, had the _Cell_ enclosed about with a continued wall, and at a proportionate distance from it, the columns placed which made a _Portico_ round about it, clean different from _Stoneheng_: the other made open, and in stead of a wall encompassed with a row of pillars only, having no enclosed _Cell_ within it at all, as much conducing to our purpose in hand. His words are these, _Fiunt autem ædes rotundæ, è quibus aliæ sine cella columnatæ constituuntur. They make also_ (saith he) _round Temples, of which some are built without a Cell, environed with Pillars only_. These were without any wals, (as his Commenter hath it) lying open to the Air. And truly (as I may presume to say) from this very manner the invention of _Stoneheng_ was principally taken, in ordering whereof, the _Architect_ disdaining usuall and common forms, of both the aforesaid forms composed one. For, taking the outward circle from the _Monopteros_, he made it open also as in that, but in stead of the continued wall circularly enclosing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_, at _Stoneheng_ he made only an _Hexagon_ about the _Cell_, leaving the same open in like manner. And, as _Hermogenes_ (whom I shall have occasion to remember again) to illustrate his work, leaving out the inner row of Pillars, made a single _Portico_ about the _Temple_ at _Magnesia_, whereby it came to be a new invention, for which he is famous to posterity: so the subtile _Architect_, whosoever he was, to ennoble this his work, adding the said _Hexagon_ here, made a double _Portico_ round about this _Temple_, and thereby a new invention likewise, no lesse famous to succeeding Ages. Our _Antiquity Stoneheng_ had otherwise been of the self same _Aspect_ without a _Cell_, as _Vitruvius_ hath before delivered. That _Temple Monopteros_, was environed with a row of pillars; this _Temple Stoneheng_, in stead of them, supplied with a rank of pillasters (as they may well be called) continuing round about it. That, lay open to the air without any walls: so doth this at _Stoneheng_. That, had over the pillars an _Architrave_, _Freese_, and _Cornice_, the _Order_ being delicate: this at _Stoneheng_, over the pillasters an _Architrave_ only, as most conformable to the solidnesse of the _Order_ and plainnesse of the work.

Thus it fully appears, the ancient _Romans_ used to erect _Temples, which lay open without walls, surrounded only with pillars_; in invention like this at _Stoneheng_. But, let us see whether the form _Monopteros_, had any roof over it. That the _Romans_ had _Temples_ uncovered, and without roofs, like _Stoneheng_, is in part already, and shall more manifestly be hereafter proved: and searching curiously into their _Antiquities_, it will be found the greatest, most splendid, and most magnificent work of all others, which the _Ancients_ made for service of their _Deities_, were those kinde of _Temples_ of the _Aspect Hypæthros_. Whether the _Monopteros_ was one of that kind, appears not yet, and _Vitruvius_ is very obscure therein; neverthelesse, that it was built without a roof, I shall illustrate by these reasons.

First, _Vitruvius_ tels us not it had a roof; for, in his precepts of all severall kinds of _Temples_, after he hath delivered the _Aspect_, _Form_, and _Manner_ of them with much exactnesse, he omits not throughout his fourth Book to demonstrate aswell the contignation, as proportion of timbers of the roofs, belonging to all those _Temples_, which had any, and when vaulted he gives us likewise the form thereof, if the _Temples_ so covered: but, in the description of the form _Monopteros_, there is no manner of timber work, nor form of vault, nor the least word mentioned of any roof at all, in what place soever throughout his whole work speaking thereof. In which respect, considering all _Temples_ having roofs, those roofs are described by _Vitruvius_, and that he describes no roof belonging to this, it must necessarily follow, the _Temples_ in form _Monopteros_ had no roofs over them.

Again, after giving the proportion of the _Architrave_ over the columnes of the _Monopteros_, he saith, _Zophorus & reliqua quæ insuper imponuntur, ita uti in tertio volumine de symmetriis scripsit. The Freese and other ornaments laid upon them, are as in his third Book of symmetries made mention of._ Now, in his third Book, he only treats of proportions, and not one word is so much as mentioned by him of any manner of roofs at all, only in the close of the said Book, he gives the proportion of frontispices belonging to quadrangular _Temples_: the same referment in like manner he makes for the ornaments of the _Peripteros_, and withall proceeds to a full description, in what manner the roof of its _Cell_ was made, which questionlesse, he would likewise have done in the other form, if it had been covered. For, he saith, whatever is to be laid above the _Freese_ of the _Monopteros_, is, as set down in his third Book: but, in his third Book, there is not One word mentioned of any roofs; the conclusion then follows the _Monopteros_ was without a roof.

[Sidenote: _Bern. Baldo._]

Lastly, he positively tels us it was _sine Cella, without a Cell_: now the _Cell_ (and which for distinction sake I have so called in describing this _Antiquity_, because it was applied to the same use, to perform their sacred rites in) was indeed properly, the inner, or chief part of the _Temple, quam nos corpus Templi vulgò dicimus, we commonly call it the body of the Church_, which enclosed with wals, was covered with a roof, as _Vitruvius_ declares in the form _Peripteros, tecti ratio ita habeatur &c. The manner of a roof_ (saith he) _was thus &c._ But, the _Monopteros_ was without a _Cell_, and consequently without a roof also, as having no walls to bear it. For, in regard of the manner of the _Architecture_, the pillars standing in _Island_ (as we say) the work could not securely bear a roof, if made of any great capacity: either therefore, they made _Temples_ of this form very little (in which respect only, _Palladio_ supposeth it might be vaulted) inconsistent with the _Roman_ greatnesse, or else, like _Stoneheng_ they were wholly uncovered and rooflesse. Howsoever, it is manifest, the _Aspect_ was just the same. And if I should say, the ruines of one after the same form also, remains yet in _Oxfordshire_, which the common people usually call _Rolle-rich-stones_, take it but as my conjecture only, as likewise one or two built after the like manner in _Scotland_, no man unlesse _Hector Boetius_ knowing by what Kings.

Moreover, the proportions appearing in this _Antiquity Stoneheng_, are much conformable to those, assigned by _Vitruvius_ to the parts of the _Monopteros_: He tels us, _Tribunal habent & ascensum ex suæ diametri tertia parte: they had the Tribunal_, (by which is understood that levell upon which the _Temple_ placed) _and the ascent, consisting of one third part of the Diameter_. So at _Stoneheng_, the work it self is one _third part of the Diameter_ of the circumvallation: And, acording to the proportion allowed by him to _the Ascent_, it seems those _Temples_ were sited more stately then others, (by consequence great also) and certain it is, whosoever views this _Antiquity_ attentively with judgement, upon the place where remaining (for the _Folio_ being too little I could not expresse it in Design) and doth allow a proportionate depth to the Trench surrounding it; considering also, together therewith, the levell of the plain lying without, he will then finde it standing upon such a rising ground, that the _Ascent_ unto it, was not much lesse magnificent, then what _Vitruvius_ hath declared.

Furthermore, besides the aforementioned round _Temples, Vitruvius_ in the same Chapter tels us, that, _generibus aliis constituuntur ædes, ex iisdem symmetriis ordinatæ, & alio genere dispositiones habentes. The_ Romans _built them after other manner of inventions, following the same proportions, and having their disposures after another kinde_. Of which, if vouchsafed to posterity the descriptions, some of them might have been found, not only agreeable in _Aspect_, but happily of the very self same form also, as this _Temple Stoneheng_ doth appear.

Now considering this discourse may happen into the hands of those, who cannot by words so easily apprehend things of this _Art_, I have for their satisfaction brought into _Design_, the plants of both the aforesaid _Temples_ mentioned by _Vitruvius_, whereby their conformity with _Stoneheng_, and the invention thereof taken from them, is more clearly manifested.

_A_

The Plant of the _Monopteros_.

_B_

The _Order_ of _Pillars_ which continued round about it, to which the outward circle (of Pillasters) in this _Antiquity Stoneheng_, directly corresponds, as will appear in the second Figure thereof, formerly described by the Letter _I_.

The _Design_ follows.

_C_

The Plant of the _Peripteros_.

_D_

The _Portico_ continuing about the _Cell_.

_E_

The Circular _Cell_ enclosed with a wall, which in the _Temple Stoneheng_, to vary the invention, was converted into an _Hexagonall_ form, and in stead of walling it round about, the _Architect_ as said before, left it wholly open, as most agreeing with the nature of the _Deity_ to whom consecrate.

The Design follows.

By the Plants of which said _Roman Temples_, although it is plainly manifest, from whence the invention of _Stoneheng_ was taken: yet, that it may more clearly be understood, I have, unto the _Order_ of pillars which makes the _Portico_ of the last of those _Temples_, applied the _Architectonicall Scheam_ by which our _Antiquity_ was formed; whereby the intersection of the severall triangles fully demonstrates after what manner the greater _Hexagon_ made open at _Stoneheng_, was raised from the solid wall environing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_.

_F_

The Rank of _Pillars_ which made the _Portico_ of the _Peripteros_.

_G_

The _Architectonicall Scheam_ by which _Stoneheng_ formed.

_H_

The circular wall environing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_.

_I_

After what manner the stones of the greater _Hexagon_ at _Stoneheng_, were raised from the circumference of the said wall.

The Design follows.

But, before deliver my judgment, unto which of their _Deities_ this _Temple Stoneheng_ was anciently dedicated by the _Romans_, I shall give you some customs in force amongst the _Ancients_, relating the _Decorum_ used by them, in building their particular _Temples_: whereby, those several opinions seemingly conclusive to whom _Stoneheng_ sacred, may more evidently appear invalid, and my own more apparently probable. Those therefore that endevour the searching out _Antiquities_ of _Architecture_, must amongst others, especially prescribe to themselves five things to be guided by. _viz._ _The Situation_, _Aspect_, _Manner_, _Form_, and _Order_ of the work as in use amongst the _Ancients_. For, inventing the severall ornaments of _Architecture_, at first for honour and distinction onely of their _Deities_, they appropriated to each of them particular _situations_, precise _forms_, peculiar _Orders_, according to the severall qualities, in regard whereof adored by them.

The _situation_ of the _Temples_ to _Venus_, _Mars_, _Vulcan_, they ordained to be chosen without their Cities, as those which moved mens minds to lasciviousnesse, wars, and devastations. Within their Cities they placed the _Temples_ of the Patrons of _Chastity_, _Peace_, good _Arts_: and of such Gods also, to whom the Protection of their Cities committed. To _Pallas_, _Mercury_, and _Isis_ the chief Presidents of Artificers, and Merchants, they built _Temples_ near the Market places, or upon the Market places themselves. To _Apollo_ and _Bacchus_ near the _Theater_. To _Hercules_ near the Cirque or _Amphitheater_. Unto _Æsculapius_ and _Salus_, in places most of all others healthfull, and near to pure streams, and waters; because the infirm people, coming out of a pestilent and contagious _Aire_, to that which was good and healthfull, by drinking those waters might the sooner, and with lesse difficulty be recovered, whereby zeal to those supposed _Deities_ encreased.

The _Aspect Hypæthros_, mentioned before, of which _Stoneheng_ appears built, was proper only to some of their Gods, as shall be remembred in due time: the other _five_ (needlesse here to name) were indifferently disposed, sometime to one, and sometime to another _Deity_, as the magnificence of the _Temples_ to be built required, and, as to be made with _Portico’s_ or without.

The _Manner_, which _Vitruvius_ distinguishes into five kinds, according as the intercolumnes are of five severall proportions, was only so far forth peculiarly appropriated to their _Deities_, as it was agreeable to the proper _Order_, otherwise they followed the greatnesse of the Work.

But, to each of them appropriating particular forms of _Temples_; to some of their Gods, they made them of a round form, to others quadrangular, to others of many angles: some of them having their _Temples_ covered, with roofs over them; others again built uncovered, without any manner of roofs at all: As, our _Antiquity Stoneheng_.

Lastly, the _Order_ of which they built them, was so diligently observed, according to the peculiar qualities of their _Deities_, that seldom or never they varied: as in fit place I shall remember. These aforesaid rules also were so firmly observed by the _Ancients_, that even at first sight the _Roman Architects_ of old were able to judge, to what _Deity_, this, or that _Temple_ sacred: and the modern _Italian Architects_, by the ruines of them at this day, give such notable testimonies towards the discovery of them, as are very hardly to be contradicted. Whosoever desires more of this, may read _Vitruvius_, _Leo Baptista Albertus_, and other Authors writing of _Architecture_. That then we may arrive to a degree of certainty unto whom our _Stoneheng_ anciently dedicated; some such _Deitie_ of the _Romans_ is to be found out, in whose honour they built _Temples_, not only in such _situations_ as this at _Stoneheng_; but with whole nature or quality the _Form_ and _Aspect_ thereof may be agreeable also; and the _Order proper_. For, whosoever goes about to enforce other reasons, do as I conceive but beat the air, neither can they reduce this _Antiquity_ to any probable Originall.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 1 & 2._]

[Sidenote: _Fab. Cal._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

To which of the _Roman_ Deities _Stoneheng_ consecrated, are, as I said before, severall opinions. Some presume it sacred to _Diana_, but upon what ground their conjecture is raised, considering both the _Aspect_ and _Manner_ of this _Temple_ utterly different from those the _Ancients_ used to dedicate to Her, I cannot conceive; for, the _Manner_ of the _Temples_ erected to _Diana_, was _Diastylos_, i.e. _columnis ampliùs patentibus_, made with large and void spaces: the _Aspect_ of that at _Ephesus_ was _Dipteros_; that at _Magnesia Pseudodipteros_: which _Manner Hermogenes_ inventing to save expence and labour, though he left out the _Order_ of pillars within, and thereby the _Portico_ came to be more large, yet the _Aspect_ continued still the same. And, as in the _Aspect_ and _Manner_, so likewise in the _Order_ and _Form_ it’s different: that, at _Ephesus_ aforesaid being of the _Ionick Order_, the _Order_ peculiarly appropriated to _Diana_, and quadrangular: of the same _Form_ also, was that at _Magnesia_ aforesaid, and so likewise the _Romans_ built them, as by the now Church of S. _John_ Evangelist at the _Latian_, or _Latine_ Port, anciently the Temple of _Diana_; and that in Mount _Aventine_ also, the chief of her _Temples_ in _Rome_, fully appears. The _situation_ of the Temples dedicated to her, was in groves, whence _Vitruvius_ cals her grovy _Diana_.

_Ecce suburbanæ templum nemorale Dianæ_, saith _Ovid_.
_See where_ Diana’s _grovy Temple stands_.

In which sort _Virgil_, _Pliny_, and other Authors also tell us her Temples were always sited. The _Architecture_ therefore of the Temples to _Diana_, and this at _Stoneheng_ being so far different, there is no probable reason _Stoneheng_ should be suppos’d dedicated to her.

[Sidenote: _Nat. Com. lib. 3. cap. 18._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 64._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 517._]

[Sidenote: _Ibid. fo. 366._]

[Sidenote: _Strab. li. 16._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 490._]

Moreover, whether or no this opinion maybe consistent with any of those qualities, the Ancients endowed this Goddesse with, let us examine further the Nature of the Deity it self. Is _Stoneheng_ consecrated to _Diana_ because she presided over ways? what publick roads then, or common high-ways are to be read of, which anciently led over the Downs near this _Antiquity_? The most ancient ways we meet with, and which the _Romans_ first made in this _Island_, as _Camden_ sets them down, are four, _Watling-street_, _Ikemild-street_, _Ermin-street_, and the _Fosse_. _Watling-street_ led through _Verolamium_ directly as it were by a streight line to the West side of _Leicestershire_, and from thence through the Northerly Counties into _Wales_. _Ikemild-street_ began in the Countrey of the _Iceni_, tending Eastward. _Ermin-street_ in the same quarter, running through _Cambridgeshire_, _Huntingdonshire_, and so on towards _Lincolnshire_ led the right way into the Northern Countreys on that side: (this street-way, happly, may be that which among the inhabitants passeth now by the name of _High Dike_.) The _Fosse_ passing through _Warwickshire_, came down to _Stow_ on the _Would_, thence to _Cirncester_, from _Cirncester_ continuing on towards _Bath_ and beyond it to _Somerton_ into the Western Provinces: the ridge whereof is yet to be seen in divers places of that tract. All of them lying so far from _Stoneheng_ that none of them are remembred to come nearer then _Cirncester_ to any part of the Plains whereon it stands, and therefore in this respect there can be no cause to imagine this _Antiquity_ should be dedicated to her. Or, is _Stoneheng_ sacred to _Diana_, because she was the Patronesse of Gates? for which reason the Ancients built her Temples, either near to them within their Cities, or not far from them in the pleasant suburbs. But what Cities, or places having any such Gates, were ever found anciently so near _Stoneheng_, as might cause the dedication of so great a work to her? surely none. Or, is _Stoneheng_ hallowed to _Diana_ because she had the tutelage of Mountains? if so, then where are those Mountains to be found near this _Antiquity_ on _Salisbury_ Plains? which Plains, North, South, East and Westward through the midst of _Wiltshire_ are so open, that they terminate the Horizon. If any such Mountains there, why do all Historians call them Plains? But admit Mountains somtimes on _Salisbury_ Plain, what then became of them? were they removed by Earthquakes, swallowed into the ground by an _Hiatus_ of the earth, or levell’d by inundations? then let it be made apparent when such like accidents fell out. Or is _Stoneheng_ dedicated to _Diana_, because she delighted to bath her self in fountains and fresh springs? where are those fountains and fresh springs to be found? haply, in the utmost borders they may be had, none certainly in the body of the Plains, or any thing near _Stoneheng_: spring veins being not there to be found, unlesse by sinking wells or pits very deep, which the inhabitants are enforced to make in severall places for watering their sheep, and as glad they are there, as the Patriarchs of old in the deserts of _Canaan_ to come by them. Or is _Stoneheng_ sacred to _Diana_, because reputed Goddesse of hunting? then, who ever desirous of a Temple for her, may finde it in _Daphne_, the anciently famous suburbs of _Antiochia_, where was not onely a Temple dedicated to her, but an _Asylum_ also, as _Strabo_ witnesseth: such places only being held proper for her mysteries, where interven’d variety of pleasures, goodly shadowy groves, delicate walks, and pleasant springs of most cool and fresh waters. In the midst of these delights the Ancients sited her Temples, not in wilde Downs, or vast Plains, so wide and open that hardly see from one side of them to another, affording neither shelter for travellers against canicular heats, nor succour for cattell against the boisterous blasts of blustering _Boreas_. Lastly, is _Stoneheng_ dedicated to _Diana_, because the supposed guardian of woods? then remains it to be made apparent by them, those Plains in ancient times bore another countenance then at present. That they were full of Forrests, woods and groves, with variety of lawns, replenished and stored with such sorts of game, and wilde beasts in chase whereof _Diana_ and her companions are said to recreate themselves: from whence some are of opinion she was called _Diana_, as much to say _Deviana, quoniam venantes per devia & silvas deviare solent, captantes feras. Because of huntsmens deviating, or wandring out of the way, through uncouth paths and woods in pursuit of their game._ That those Plains afforded as much pleasure and delights as the _Thessalian Tempe_, the _Syrian Daphne_, or what place else as famous where her _Temples_ anciently stood: and, in what unknown age they were disafforrested and laid wast. Which, if ever so, certainly some signs thereof would remain, or at least be found there, as well as in other parts of the Island, in times past overgrown with woods. As in _Anglesey_ formerly mentioned; in _Cheshire_, where, in digging their marlepits are often found huge trees, demonstrating to posterity the forrests there anciently growing; in the Isle of _Axholm_ in _Lincolnshire_, where the inhabitants have hardly any fewell, but what such trees afford so digged out of the earth; in _Somersetshire_, where I my self have seen trunks of trees lying under ground, and expressing the places in times past overgrown with trees, very few or none being in those places now standing. Besides, some remembrance of the aforesaid forrests and woods History questionlesse would yeeld; now what occasion soever Historians take for mentioning this tract, not one word is delivered by them to that purpose, all unanimously consenting ’twas never other then at present an open and champion Countrey. A Theater on which _Bellona_ often displayed her bloody ensigns, and acted severall tragedies in times of old: A field of _Mars_, where _Romans_, _Saxons_ and after _Danes_ for obtaining the dominion of this Island decided their ambitious controversies. Of which actions we have visible testimony unto this day, witnesse those burrows, and places where they cast the bodies of their slain, over all quarters of the plain dispersed, which in long time are so shrowded by nature with ever growing grasse, that their memory will remain by their sepulchres to all posterity; that which consumes all works of Art, making them still more fresh and flourishing: witnesse spoils of war there frequently digged up, as formerly remembred: severall encamping places of those severall Nations in all parts of the plain even yet appearing, no place in the whole Island, respecting the circuit, having more remains of them: Also that huge Trench, mentioned before by the name of _Wansdike_, running through the very bowels of them, such manner of trenches appearing no where in any part of _England_ beside, saving where the like plains interveen; so at _Newmarket Heath_ the like trench vulgarly called _Devils Dike_, as if _made by Devils not by men_, is to be seen; though in ancient times it was the limits of the Kingdome of the East _Angles_, and it took end, as _Camden_ very well observes, _where the passages by reason of woods grew cumbersome_: Which, if the like be granted for _Wansdike_ (as is very probable, it ending also with the Plains) then without controversie there were no more woods in times of old on _Salisbury_ Plains then at this day; it running overthwart them, as in a direct line from East to West. And who knows not, that other manner of fortifications then running trenches upon direct lines are to be cast up for defence of woody situations? But why urge more Authorities, when the Inhabitants of the Countrey tell us, the soil or ground being hot, dry, and chalky is altogether improper for the growth of trees. Thus then the situation of the place, so antipathizing in all respects with the nature and qualities anciently attributed to _Diana_, and the _Manner_, _Form_, and _Order_ of this _Antiquity_, so contrary to the custome used by the _Ancients_ in erecting her Temples, no reason wherefore this _Temple Stoneheng_ should be conceiv’d as erected for celebration of the superstitious ceremonies anciently ascribed unto her _Worship_.

Some, again, would have _Stoneheng_ consecrated to _Pan_; because _Pan_ a _Greek_ word signifying the _Universe_, under him the whole frame of _Nature_ was adored. And therefore, the _Ancients_ made his statues with horns, saith _Servius_, expressing thereby the beams of the _Sun_, and horns of the _Moon_; those issuing from his forehead, and turning upwards towards _Heaven_, as _Boccace_ will have it, signified the Celestiall bodies: feigning also, as the world moves with extraordinary swiftnesse, he excelled likewise in speed of running. By the purple, ruddy, and enflamed face, attributed to _Pan_, that pure fire, above all other _Elements_ holding his place in the confines of the Celestiall Sphears was demonstrated: by his large long beard descending down upon his breast, the two superiour Elements _Aire_ and _Fire_ of a masculine nature, sending down their impressions upon the other two naturally feminine was shewed: by the spotted skin covering his breast and shoulders, the eighth sphear wholly embelished with glorious stars; inveloping in like manner all appertaining to the nature of sublunary creatures was represented: by the sheep-hook which he held in one hand, Natures dominion over all things (according to _Boccace_) was signified: and as _Servius_ saith, because this staffe, or rod was crooked, the year revolving into it self, was thereby expressed: in the other hand holding a Pipe, consisting of seven reeds, whereby, the Celestiall harmony conceived by some to have seven sounds, and seven different tunes, according to the number of the _Planets_, and their _Sphears_ which are seven, was so set forth.

After this manner _Mythologists_ discourse of _Pan_, with various opinions, according to the subtile niceties of their severall fancies: and in these respects as having relation to the _Heavens_, this _Antiquity Stoneheng_ is imagined sacred to _Him_. ’Tis true, if _Mythologie_, and not demonstrative reasons were to be fixt upon in matters of _Architecture_, the former conceptions might be some ground to frame conjectures _Stoneheng_ sacred to _Pan_. But, _Architecture_ depending upon demonstration, not fancy, the fictions of _Mythologists_ are no further to be embraced, then as not impertinently conducing to prove reall truths. Wherefore, the aforesaid ancient rules for building _Temples_ considered, and comparing the _Order_, _Form_, _Aspect_ and _Situation_ of the _Temples_ to _Pan_, with the like in this _Antiquity_, so much contrariety is found betwixt them, as may convince any reasonable judgement _Stoneheng_ not dedicated to _Him_.

[Sidenote: _Nat. Com. lib. 5._]

[Sidenote: _Dion. Hali. lib. 1._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Pausan. fo. 496._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 1. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Alexan. Don._]

[Sidenote: _Pomp. Totti._]

[Sidenote: _Pausan. fo. 114. & 317._]

[Sidenote: _Ibid. fo. 516._]

_Pan pastorum, venatorum, & universæ vitæ rusticanæ præsidem crediderunt Antiqui_, saith _Natalis Comes_. _Pan_ was the reputed _God_ amongst the _Ancients, of Shepherds, Huntsmen, and all those that led an agrestick life_. The same Author also calling him _Piscatorum Deum_, the _God of Fishermen_ as well as _Shepherds_. _Arcadibus Deorum antiquissimus & honoratissimus est Pan_, saith _Dionysius_. _Pan is the most ancient, and most honoured Deity of the Arcadians._ And in _Arcadia_ itself where he was principally adored, they built his _Temples_ for the most part in Towns of the same _Form_ and _Order_ as to _Juno_: In the _Town of Heræa_, _habet Pan templum suum_ (saith _Pausanias_ in his description of _Arcadia_) _quod olim_ Junoni _dicatum fuit_, Pan _had his Temple which anciently was dedicated to_ Juno. Now, the _Order appropriated_ to _Juno_ by the _Romans_, was the _Ionick_, as is manifest from _Vitruvius_, who tels us, _To Juno, Diana, and Bacchus_, and to the other _Deities_ of the same quality, _they built Temples of the Ionick Order_. The _Form_ in like manner of her sacred structures was quadrangular, as in Mount _Aventine_, in _foro Olitorio_ (or the herb Market) in Mount _Quirinal_, and elswhere amongst the _Romans_ the _ruines_ of her _Temples_ do evidently witnesse: as also, her _Temples_ anciently at _Argos_, and amongst the _Elians_ in _Greece_, built of the like _Form_, and of the _Dorick Order_. But this _Antiquity_ is of the severe _Tuscane_ work, and of a round figure. The _Temples_ to _Pan_ had a _Portico_ onely in _front_, at _Stoneheng_ it continues round about the _Cell_. The _Temples_ to _Pan_ were not exposed to the open _Aire_, and built uncovered as _Stoneheng_ was, but had roofs upon them. For, _Ignis ei perpetuus ardebat_, therein _they kept perpetuall fire_, as at _Acacesium_ a _Town_ also of _Arcadians_; all _Temples_ wherein they kept such fires being covered, as the _Temple_ to _Apollo_ at _Delphos_ amongst the _Greeks_, and to _Vesta_ at _Rome_ amongst the _Romans_. But, if at any time they did erect them distant from a _Town_, reserving always the _Form_ and _Order_, they chose such situations as wholly environed with trees; for example, the _Temple_ to _Pan_ in Mount _Lycæus_, was compassed in with a thick wood, _condenso circumseptum luco_, as _Pausanias_ hath it: so likewise, that _Temple_ sacred to _Him_ in the _Parthenian_ Forrest, according to the said Author. Now, this _Temple Stoneheng_ is sited in an open champion Countrey, where scarce a bush or tree, much lesse thick woods, or forrests to be seen throughout the whole Plain; nor was there ever any in times of old as History remembers, and the nature of the soil, as I am informed, is no wise prosperous for their growing there, as is sufficiently before declared.

But _Pan_ (say they) being the God of _Shepherds_, why might not _Stoneheng_ to gratifie them be erected, and consequently by the _Romans_ dedicated to their God _Pan_? no place in the whole Island more abounding with sheep, then the circumadjacent Plains; the almost innumerable flocks whereof, not only most plentifully satisfying the bordering inhabitants for food; but, from their delicate fleeces, a great part of the known universe are clad also. I answer, amongst the _Romans_ (declared at large before to be _Founders_ of _Stoneheng_) I do not finde any one _Temple_, _Holy House_, _Sanctuary_, _Grove_, _Altar_, or any such like sacred structure consecrated to _Pan_ in their own Country; much lesse any _Temple_ dedicated unto Him by them in _Britain_: and therefore, utterly improbable this _Temple Stoneheng_ should be erected by the _Romans_ unto _Pan_.

[Sidenote: _Dion. Hal. lib. 1._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 20._]

[Sidenote: _Justin. lib. 43._]

[Sidenote: _Plutarch. in Rom._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 3. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Plut. in Rom._]

There was a _Temple_ indeed, built to _Pan Lycæus_ on Mount _Palatine_, by those _Arcadians_ which accompanied _Evander_ into _Italy_; in which, though the _Romans_ in succeeding times performed the same rites, as the _Arcadians_ anciently had instituted; yet, _He_ passed with the _Romans_ under the name of _Lupercus_, and in honour of _Him_, as some Authors of opinion, certain festivals or games called _Lupercalia_, at _Rome_ onely, not in Provinces conquered by them, were solemnized by the _Romans_; Noblemens sons running in those games, according to the primitive institution setting forth and beginning their course at Mount _Palatine_, and so round about the City to the same place again. I may not omit, neverthelesse, that severall Authors deliver the _Lupercalia_ were instituted in thankfulnesse to _Lupa_, or the wolf that gave _Romulus_ suck, and the course of those games beginning at Mount _Palatine_ (not so much in remembrance it seems of _Pans_ Temple there, as) from the _Lupercal_ or _the very place they say where_ Romulus _was cast out_.

[Sidenote: _Dion. lib. 1._]

_Dionysius_ of _Halicarnassus_ tels us the _Arcadians_ built the aforesaid _Temple_ to _Pan_, _idoneo invento loco &c._ when they had found out a _convenient place_ for it adjoyning to their habitations: the condition or nature of which place is not unworthy your observation; for by his description thereof we shall easily perceive what manner of situation was by the _Arcadian_ Shepherds held proper for performing the ceremonies of their God _Pan_. His words are, _Erat tum, ut fertur, spelunca sub tumulo magna, denso querceto contecta, & sub petris profundi fonticuli, solúmque rupibus contiguum nemorosum, & frequentibus ac proceris opacum arboribus: ibi ara deo extructa, more patrio sacra fecerunt. Under the Hill_ (to wit, Mount _Palatine_) _was anciently, as report goes_ (saith he) _a great cave or den, covered over by a thick grove, deep wells or riverets running amongst the stones of the cave, and round about it a wood, by the many and tall trees growing therein very dark and obscure: there the Altar of the God was placed, and his Sacrifices after their Country manner performed_. Now is _Stoneheng_ thus sited, or was there ever any such like place near this _Antiquity_? of all the places in _England_ that I know, none comes nearer that cave, then _Ochy-hole_ in _Somersetshire_: And if the Ancients held such dismall situations only proper for _Pans Temples_, then without peradventure _Stoneheng_ was never erected in honour of him, they being no innovators in their superstitions.

[Sidenote: _Dion. lib. 1._]

A further observation may be made to our purpose, upon the aforesaid description, _Erat tum antrum magnum, it was anciently_ (saith _Dionysius_) _a great cave_. But in his own time, which was under _Augustus_, the _Romans_ had so choked up the place with building, that the manner how _Pans Temple_ in old time stood, was hardly to be discovered: _nunc quidem ædificiis_ (saith he) _fanum circumquaque sepientibus, difficilis conjectura est qualis olim loci natura fuerit. At this present, verily, the Temple being every way environed with buildings, it is hardly to be conjectured in what manner of place it anciently stood_. This was the cause which enforced him to deliver to posterity the former description meerly upon report. Certainly then, the _Romans_ employing the place to profaner uses, _Pans_ Deity was little esteemed by them; otherwise, they would never have polluted it, by setting up private houses upon the place consecrated to him. Now the _Romans_ slighting him after this manner at home, little reason appears so magnificent a structure as _Stoneheng_, should be erected by them for adoration of _Pan_ in other Countreys.

[Sidenote: _Nat. Com. lib. 5._]

Furthermore, the Sacrifices in times of old offered to _Pan_ were milk and honey, offered up in simple Shepherds crocks or earthen pitchers: _quare non ritè sacrificabant, qui tauros illi immolabant, aut qui in aureis poculis lac aut vinum offerebant &c. Wherefore, they sacrificed not aright_, saith _Natalis Comes, who immolated Buls or Oxen unto him, or out of golden cups poured forth milk or wine upon his Altars_; for goblets of that metall were proper onely for the supernall and celestiall _Deities_, not to terrestriall, and such as had care of Heardsmen or Shepherd Swains. To which purpose also, the same Author out of _Apollonius Smyrnæus_ remembers _Pan_, thus speaking of himself.

_Sum Deus agrestis, cur his sunt aurea sacris
Pocula? quo vinum funditis Italicum?
Ad petram cur stat taurus cervice ligatus?
Parcite: non hæc est victima grata mihi.
Pan montanus ego sum, ligneus, ipsáque vestis
Pellicea est: mustum è fictilibúsque bibo._

In English thus:

_A rurall God am I, in golden cup
The Falern wine, why then d’yee offer up?
Why at mine Altar, stands the stern Bull bound,
Or Oxe that’s fat, with laurell girland crown’d?
Spare ye such cost: no gratefull victimes these
Are unto me, others lesse costly please.
A Mountaineer, a wood-man clad in skin
Am I: your wine in earthen vessels bring._

But the Sacrifices anciently offered at _Stoneheng_ (already remembred) were _Buls_ or _Oxen_, and severall sorts of beasts, as appears by the heads of divers kinds of them, not many years since there digged up.

[Sidenote: _Platin. in Bon._]

[Sidenote: _Dion. lib. 53._]

As for that of the _Pantheon_, it is very well known the _Ancients_ so called it, not in any relation to _Pan_, but because it was sacred to _Jove_ the _Revenger_, and according to others to _Cibele_, and all Gods. For which reason, _Boniface_ the fourth obtained licence from the Emperour _Phocas_, to consecrate it to the _Virgin Mary_, and all Saints. And who knows not the _Architecture_ thereof wholly different from this of _Stoneheng_? The _Pantheon_ hath its _Cell_ enclosed with a continued solid wall, and the _Portico_ only in front, of the delicate _Corinthian Order_; of which _Order_ the inner part consisted likewise, being vaulted in most admirable and magnificent manner. From whence _Dion Cassius_ delivers his opinion, _inde id nominis habere, quod forma convexa fastigiatum, cœli similitudinem ostenderet, it to be called the_ Pantheon, _because by the form of that vault wherewith covered, it represented the concave of Heaven_, or (as others will) the figure of the world; for the world being mans house, the firmament is as the vaulted roof thereof. At the crown of the vault it had an opening, by which only it received light and air. But, this _Antiquity Stoneheng_ built of a grave and humble _Order_ (as is said before) had a double _Portico_ continuing round about it, the Cell thereof free and open, and every way exposed to the air, received light from all parts.

Wherefore leaving these, _Stoneheng_ was dedicated, as I conceive, to the God _Cœlus_, by some Authors called _Cœlum_, by others _Uranus_, from whom the Ancients imagined all things took their beginning. My reasons are, First, in respect of the _situation_ thereof; for it stands in a Plain, remote from any _Town_ or _Village_, in a free and open air, without any groves or woods about it.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. li. 1. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Godw. Antiq. l. 1. cap. 20._]

Secondly, in regard of the _Aspect_; for _Stoneheng_ was never covered, but built without a roof. Which _Decorum_ the _Romans_ ever observed, both in the _Situation_ and _Aspect_ of the _Temples_ dedicated to this their God, and to _Jove_ the _Lightner_, the _Sun_, and the _Moon_. _Jovi fulguratori, & Cœlo, & Soli, & Lunæ, ædificia sub divo Hypæthráque constituuntur. To_ Jove _the Lightner, and to Cœlus, and to the Sun, and to the Moon, they erected buildings in the open air and uncovered_, saith _Vitruvius_ in the second Chapter of his first Book. Take with you also his reason. _Horum enim Deorum & species & effectus in aperto mundo atque lucenti præsentes videmus, because both the forms and effects of these Deities, we behold present before our eyes, in a clear and open view._ Another reason I find also why they built their Temples to _Cœlus_, and those other Deities uncovered as _Stoneheng_: because they counted it an hainous matter to see those Gods confined under a roof, whose doing good consisted in being abroad.

[Sidenote: _Pier. Valer. Hier. lib. 39._]

[Sidenote: _Leo Bapt. Alb. lib. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Philand. in 4. lib. Vitr. cap. 7._]

Thirdly, in regard of the _Form_ of _Stoneheng_, which is _circular_. This figure was proper to the _Temples_ of _Cœlus_ and _Tellus_, whom the Ancients called _Vesta_, as _Valerianus_ (in his _Hieroglyphicks_) affirms. _Non solamente la palla, ma una simplice piegatura di ruota, appresso gli Egizziani demostrava il Cielo. Not only_ (saith he) _the circular form, but the meer segment of a circle amongst the Egyptians was an Hieroglyphick of Cœlus_. And to this purpose also, _Leo Baptista Albertus_ useth these words. _Ædem Vestæ, quam esse terram putarent, rotundam ad pilæ similitudinem, faciebant. Unto Vesta, whom they reputed to be the Earth, they built Temples of a round form globelike_. Besides, observe what _Philander_ commenting on _Vitruvius_ tels us. _Templorum quanquam alia fiant quadrata, alia multorum angulorum, Cœli naturam imitati veteres, imprimis rotundis sunt delectati: Although_ (saith he) _the Ancients made some Temples square, some of six sides, others of many angles, they were especially delighted with making of them round, as representing thereby the Form or Figure of_ Cœlum, _Heaven_.

[Sidenote: _An. Pal. li. 1._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 1. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Apollod. lib. 1._]

Fourthly, in respect of the _Order_ whereof _Stoneheng_ built. The severity of this _Tuscane_ work, retaining in it a shew (as it were) of that first face of _Antiquity_ (as _A. Palladio_ terms it) being most agreeable to the nature of this their God, reputed the ancientest of all their _Deities_, and Father of _Saturn_. For, it was the custome of the Ancients (as in part I remembred before) to appropriate the severall _Orders_ of _Architecture_, according to the particular qualifications of those they deified. _Minervæ, & Marti, & Herculi, ædes Doricæ fient: his enim diis propter virtutem, sine deliciis ædificia constitui decet. To Minerva, and Mars, and Hercules, Temples of the Dorick Order were made; for, to these Deities in respect of their valiant actions, it was requisite to build without delicacy. Veneri, Floræ, Proserpinæ, Fontium Nymphis, Corinthio genere constitutæ, aptas videbuntur habere proprietates, quòd his diis propter teneritatem, graciliora & florida, foliísque & volutis ornata opera facta augere videbuntur justum decorem. To Venus, Flora, Proserpina, the Fountain Nymphs, the Corinthian Order was thought most proper: because unto these in regard of their tender natures, the work seemed to advance a just decorum, when made delicate and flourishing, and adorned with leaves and volutes. Junoni, Dianæ, Libero Patri cæterísque diis qui eadem sunt similitudine, si ædes Ionicæ construerentur, habita erat ratio mediocritatis, quod & ab severo more Doricorum, & à teneritate Corinthiorum, temperabitur earum institutio proprietatis. To Juno, Diana, Bacchus, and to the other Deities of the same quality, building Temples of the Ionick Order, they had regard unto the mean, that from the severe manner of the Dorick, and delicacy of the Corinthian, the condition of their indowments might be duly moderated_, saith _Vitruvius_. To _Jupiter_, _Sol_, and _Luna_, though they made Temples _sub divo_ open to the air and without roofs like this _Antiquity_; yet were they not built of severe and humble but most delicate _Orders_, and accordingly were adorned with costly ornaments, and beautified with various enrichments in severall sorts of sculpture, as by the ruines of them in divers parts of _Italy_ remaining to this day, evidently appears. Respecting therefore, this _Decorum_ used by the _Ancients_ in building their _Temples_, and that this work _Stoneheng_ is principally composed of a most grave _Tuscane_ manner, by just proportions of an agreeable form; it is in mine opinion, as I said before, most agreeable to the quality and condition of that ancient _Cœlus_, whom Antiquity reputed the very stem whence all those Deities in the succeeding Ages proceeded. Cœlus _ex eadem conjuge (scilicet Tellure) procreavit_ Oceanum, Cœlum, Hyperionem _&c. & novissimum omnium_ Saturnum _suscepit_. Cœlus, _by the same wife_ (to wit _Tellus_) _had_ Oceanus, Cœlum, Hyperion _&c. and last of all begat_ Saturn. To which purpose also _Lactantius, I finde_ Uranius _by his wife_ Vesta _had_ Saturn _and_ Ops: Saturn _attaining the government, called his father_ Uranius, Cœlus, _and his mother_ Terra; _that by this change of names, he might the more magnifie the splendor of his originall &c._ Further, I conceive it will not be impertinent to our purpose in hand, to deliver what the _Ancients_ have reported of _Cœlus_; and wherefore they ascribed divine Honours unto Him.

[Sidenote: _Boccace lib. 3._]

According to the _Poets_, _Cœlus_ was not that huge machine adorned with stars, which _Orpheus_ saith was composed for habitation of the _Planets_, and other _Deities_, and which we behold moving with continuall revolution: but a certain man so called, son to _Æther_ and _Dies_, that, is _della virtù ardente, & della luce famosa, of transcendent influence and resplendent brightness_, as _Boccace_ hath it.

[Sidenote: _Diodor. lib. 4._]

By Historians, especially _Diodorus Siculus_, it’s thus delivered. _Scribunt primùm regnasse apud Atlantides_ Cœlum: _Hominésque antea per agros dispersos, ad cœtum, condendásque urbes exhortatum, à fera eos agrestíque vita ad mitiorem cultum extitisse &c. They write, he which first reigned over the_ Atlantides _was_ Cœlus, _and that he invited men living dispersedly before throughout the fields, to convene, and dwell in companies together, exhorting them to build Towns, and reducing them from wild and savage to the conversation of civill life: Taught them also to sow corn and seeds, and divers other things belonging to the common use of mankind; Ruled likewise over a great part of the world from East to West; Was a diligent observer of the stars, and foretold men divers things to come: The year (before confus’d) bringing into Order, according to the course of the Sun, reducing it also into moneths after the Moons course, and appointing likewise the severall seasons of the year. Whereby many ignorant of the perpetuall course of the stars, and amazed at his future predictions, did verily believe he participated of Divine Nature, and therefore after his death, as well for benefits received from him, as great knowledge of the stars, they conferred on him immortall honours, and adored him as a God. And, as appears, called_ Cœlus _in regard of his skill in the celestiall bodies, as also, for divers other causes eternall King of all the world_. Thus _Diodorus_. It being an ordinary custome among the Heathens to deifie, and esteem for Gods, such excellent personages, as either had well ruled, or governed them, or done any notable thing among them to their especiall benefit, or good liking. Such, were they men, or women, remained with the name, reputation, and reverence of _Gods_ or _Goddesses_ after their deaths.

[Sidenote: _Plut. Phil. opin. lib. 1._]

Furthermore, according to the _Philosophers_; _Men_ (they knew not how) by nature soon wanting, and by instinct as soon seeking some God (in stead of apprehending better) deified the _best_ to sense. Whereupon, out of all _Entities_ as most glorious to the eye, they first made choice of _Heaven_, and _Heavenly_ bodies; considering again, as the most beneficiall objects, those living creatures, and fruits which the _Earth_ beneath brought forth, to make compleat generations, they coupled _Cœlus_ to _Tellus_, adoring _Heaven_ as Father, and _Earth_ as Mother to these; the pouring down of showers from _Heaven_ seeming in stead of naturall seeds, and the _Earth_ as a Mother to conceive, and bring forth the same.

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 5._]

Fifthly, the Sacrifices in times of old offered to _Cœlus_ were Bulls or Oxen, their great God _Jupiter_ himself, as I find in _Rosinus_, offering such Victimes unto him. _Ante pugnam, que cum Gigantibus in_ Creta _habita est_, Jovem _sacrificasse dicunt_ Soli, Cœlo, _ac_ Terræ _bovem. Before the battell struck with the Giants in_ Crete, _they say_ Jupiter _sacrificed an Oxe to_ Sol, Cœlus, _and_ Terra. Now that there hath oftentimes been digged out of the ground at _Stoneheng_, the heads of such beasts, in all probability anciently in that place sacrificed; I need not again remember, being it is so well known.

[Sidenote: _Pier. Valer. Hier. lib. 60._]

Sixthly, all the upright stones in this _Antiquity_ are _Pyramidall_ like flames, in imitation of those _Ætheriall_ fires, wherewith the _Heaven_ is adorned. Now, that _Fire_ hath the form of a _Pyramis_ is evident, _percioche, essendo largo da basso, intorno alla materia & esca, da che si pasce, finisce in acuta fiammache riguardo al Cielo. Because, being large at the bottome, in respect of the matter and fewell, by which it is fed, it finishes in an acute flame tending upwards towards Heaven._ And, that the Heavens are adorned with fires, _Natalis Comes_ in his Mythology, out of _Orpheus_, makes apparent. _Nihil aliud esse Cœlum existimans, nisi hunc æthera qui constat ex altissimis illis ignibus. Supposing the Heaven to be no other thing, but this Air which consisteth of those transcendent Fires._

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 5._]

[Sidenote: _Pier. Valer. Hier. lib. 39._]

Lastly, that _Stoneheng_ was anciently dedicated to _Cœlus_ I collect from the _Conformation_ of the work. For the _conformation_ of the _Cell_ and _Porticus_ in the Plant, was designed with four equilaterall _Triangles_, inscribed in a _Circle_, such as the _Astrologers_ use in describing the twelve _celestiall_ signs in musicall proportions. According to that of _Vitruvius_; _In ea conformatione quatuor scribantur trigona paribus lateribus & intervallis, quæ extremam lineam circinationis tangant; In the conformation thereof let four triangles be inscribed of equall sides and intervals, which may touch the extreme part of the circumference: quibus etiam in duodecim signorum cœlestium descriptione, Astrologi ex musica convenientia astrorum ratiocinantur; by which figures also, Astrologers from the musicall harmony of the stars ground their reasonings, as concerning the description of the twelve celestiall signs_. Besides the _Cell_ it self in the formation thereof, is cast into an _Exagon_, one of the three figures, likewise used by _Astrologers_ in their aforesaid arguments of the _sympathy_ of the stars. _Figuris tribus_ (saith _Philander_) _utuntur Astrologi, Trigono, Tetragono & Hexagono. The Astrologers make use of three sorts of figures; the Triangle, Tetragon, and Hexagon._ Furthermore, the three entrances leading into the Temple from the Plain, were comparted by an equilaterall _triangle_; which was the figure whereby the Ancients expressed what appertained to _Heaven_, and divine mysteries also. _Aggiungono i Magi_ (saith _Pierius Valerianus_) _che un triangolo semplice di lati uguali, è indizio di divinità, overo effigie di cose celesti. The_ Magi _adde that a triangle of equall sides is a symbole of Divinity, or sign of celestiall matters_. Now this _Antiquity_ consisting of severall stones, orderly disposed into one entire work, in imitation, as it were, of those severall stars which appearing to us in the Heavens in form of a circle, are called the _celestiall Crown_; and wholly designed by those _Scheams_ wherewith _Astrologers_ use to describe _celestiall_ bodies, which figures, usually applied by them to particular accidents onely, being all joyntly made use of by the _Architect_ for conformation of this sacred structure, it is not improbable _Stoneheng_ was so composed, because dedicated to _Cœlum_. Yea further, (if lawfull to compare an idolatrous place with so divine a work) was not the _Temple_ at _Hierusalem_ adorned with the figures of _Cherubims_; that thereby the Nations of the Earth might know it was the habitation of the living God? and, why not in like manner this _Temple_ composed by _Astrologicall_ figures, that after Ages might apprehend, it was anciently consecrated to _Cœlus_ or _Cœlum_ Heaven?

[Sidenote: _Dan. Barba. in lib. 4._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. cap. 7. in Ven. 1584._]

But in this conjuncture; concerning such kinde of _Temples_ as this at _Stoneheng_, what saith the learned _Patriarch_ of _Aquileia_? _Io credo, che quel Tempio senza parete significava alcune cose del Cielo, gli effetti delle quali sono nelle scoperto. I beleeve that Temple without walls_ (speaking of the _Monopteros_ aforesaid) _had a relation to_ Cœlum (_Heaven_) _because the effects thereof are openly displaied to the full view of all men_.

_Camden_ tels us he had heard, that in the time of King _Henry_ the eighth, a table of metall was found, not far from this _Antiquity_, engraven with divers strange characters, which being not legible, was neglected and lost: had, indeed, that Table been found within the work it self it might happily have brought to light somwhat in relation to _Stoneheng_. And by all likelihood, in time some inscriptions may therein be found, it being the custome as well of _Greeks_ as _Romans_, in times of greatest _Antiquity_, to lay inscriptions (usually) under the first stones set in what works soever; especially, those of any great magnificence. Wherefore, I advise mine honoured Friend _Laurence Washington_ Esquire in whose demeasnes this _Antiquity_ stands, to whom I am much obliged, for his friendly notice of what things have been there of late years digged up, that he would be solicitous upon any search made there, to enquire after them, and if any found not to neglect, or curiously conceal them, but preserve and willingly produce the same.

I suppose, I have now proved from Authentick Authors, and the rules of Art, _Stoneheng_ anciently a _Temple_, dedicated to _Cœlus_, built by the _Romans_; either in, or not long after those times (by all likelihood) when the _Roman_ Eagles spreading their commanding wings over this _Island_, the more to civilize the Natives, introduc’d the _Art_ of Building amongst them, discovering their ambitious desire, by stupendious and prodigious works, to eternize the memory of their high minds to succeeding Ages. For, the magnificence of that stately _Empire_, is at this day clearly visible in nothing more, then in the ruines of their _Temples_, _Palaces_, _Arch’s Triumphals_, _Aquæducts_, _Thermæ_, _Theaters_, _Amphitheaters_, _Cirques_, and other secular, and sacred structures.

[Sidenote: _Camd. fo. 8._]

History affords only _Contemplation_, whereby their great Actions are made conceivable alone to reasoning: but the ruines of their buildings _Demonstration_, which obvious to sense, are even yet as so many eye-witnesses of their admir’d atchievements.

Roma _quanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet_,
_How great_ Rome _was, her ruines yet declare_.