ast basin by the forms of twelve lions
sculptured from white marble. This vessel, which is believed to have
been modelled after the design of the "molten sea" of the Temple of
Solomon, is again surmounted by a smaller vase, from which shoot {143}
forth innumerable tiny cascades, which together present the form of a
great sheaf; and, falling again from one vase into another, and from
these into the large basin beneath, create a perpetual flow, whose
volume is increased by the floods of limpid water which gush in a
continual stream from the mouth of each of the marble lions.

This fountain, like each of the others, is adorned with inscriptions;
for the Moors ever took pleasure in mingling the eloquence of poetry
with the graces of sculpture. To us their conceptions appear singular
and their expressions exaggerated; but our manners are so opposite to
theirs; the period of their existence as a nation is so far removed,
and we know so little of the genius of their language, that we have,
perhaps, no right to judge the literature of the Moors by the severe
rules of modern criticism. And, indeed, the specimens we possess of
the French and Spanish poetry of the thirteenth and fourteenth
centuries are, many of them, little superior to the verses engraven on
the Fountain of Lions, of which the following, is a translation.[6]

{144}

"Oh thou who beholdest these lions! dost thou not perceive that they
need only to breathe to possess the perfection of nature! Oh Mohammed!
Oh potent sovereign! God originated and prolonged thy existence, that
thou mightest be inspired with the genius to conceive and accomplish
these novel and beautiful embellishments! Thy soul is adorned by the
most ennobling qualities of humanity. This enchanting spot pictures
thy admirable virtues. Like the lion, thou art terrible in combat; and
nothing can be more justly compared to the bountiful and unceasing
profusion of the limpid waters which gush from the bosom of this
fountain, and fill the air with glittering and brilliant particles,
than the liberal hand of Mohammed."

We will not attempt a description in detail of such other portions of
the palace of the Alhambra as still exist. Some of these served as
halls of audience or of justice; others enclosed the baths of the king,
the queen, and their children. Sleeping apartments still remain, where
the couches were disposed either in alcoves, or upon platforms covered
with the peculiar pavement {1