, that he which wrote the seauen woonders of the world, neuer
heard of this: neyther in any age hath their been seene or imagined the
like, no not the sepulcher of _Ninus_.

Lastly I woondered what foundation and arches were able to vphold so
monstrous a weight, whether the pyllars were hexagons or tetragons, and
what varietie of columnes, and what number might serue, and after what
sorte proportionately disposed and set. For the better vnderstanding and
more perfect knowledge wherof, I conueyghed my selfe in at the open &
spacious porche and enterance, within the which was an obscure and vast
hollownes: which porche, together with the proud and stately buylding
(things worthy of memorie) shall in some sorte be descrybed as
followeth.

_Poliphilus, after the discription of the huge Pyramides and Obeliske,
discourseth of maruelous woorkes in this Chapter, namely of a horsse
of Colos. of an Oliphant, but especially of a most rare
and straunge Porche._

Rightlye and lawfullye may I haue leaue to write, that in the whole
world there was neuer such an other, so pompeous, glorious, and
magnificent a peece of worke, by mans eyes seene or crediblie reported.
The woonderfull excellencie and rare straungenesse whereof, as I beheld
what with delight, and what with admiration, my sences were so
captiuated and tyed therevnto, that no other solace or pleasure, did
eyther occurre or take place in my swift flying thought.

But that when I applyed my sences to consider, and addressed my eyes
with diligent obseruation, curiouslie to ouerlooke euerie perticular
part of this sweete composed obiect, and most rare and goodly imagerie
and virgin like bodyes, without cracke or flawe, with a long drawne
breath, and somewhat opening my mouth, I set a deepe sighe. In so much
as my amorous and sounding breathing, by reason of the thicknesse of the
ayre in this solytarie and lone place, gaue an eccho, and did put me in
minde of my Angelike and extreame desired _Polia_.

O hi me that so small or anye intermission should cause that hir louely
and celestiall Idea and shape was not still imprinted in my minde, and
continued a dayly companion, in whose brest my life is resolued to
abide, and rest as vnder the protection of a most sure and approoued
shield and safe defence.

And by this way I was brought to a place where were diuers and sundrie
excellent sorts of auncient deuises and woorkemanships: first of all,
I behel