Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/176

 ments their misapplication, and the misery which the vanity of a single; despot diffused, on this occasion, over a numerous class of man-kind.

Magnificence and solicitude for everlasting duration, originating in the influence of the sciences, and supported by extensive mechanical knowledge and experience in the practice of the art, were the character of Egyptian architecture: the object of the inventors and promoters of it, was evidently to leave behind them durable monuments of great power and skill; and this object they have attained. But in none of their works do we discover traces, either of a pleasing fancy, or of indulgence and respect for the softer emotions of humanity. The intelligence of the Egyptian artists is displayed in their works, merely in the mechanical parts of the art; in their skill to raise prodigious weights with facility, and to fashion their materials with accuracy and invincible perseverance. (To be continued.)

CHINESE IMPERIAL EDICT.

have respectfully examined the records of our imperial ancestor Camhi in which is contained the following edict addressed to the tribunal of arms:

"When this empire was first established on its present foundations, martial laws and military discipline were observed with rigour and precision. The enemies of the state were attacked with unanimity and driven from their fortresses. The operations of each campaign, together with the merits and demerits of the respective commanders, were faithfully and exactly reported, without any disgraceful evasions, or credit to themselves unworthily assumed. But at present, when an army is sent on any military service, every report that is made of their operations contains an account of a victory, of rebels dispersed at the first encounter, driven from their stations, killed and wounded to a great amount, or to the amount of some thousands, or in short, that the rebels slain were innumerable.

"These and similiarsimilar [sic] reports are made to us by the commanders, in the hopes of extending the fame of their own achievments [sic], and procuring presents and promotion. We therefore hereby issue our strict injunctions to all general officers, viceroys, governors, and colonels, to report to us with sincerity and a scrupulous attention to truth and preclusion, the accounts of their future military operations; and we further declare, that should this corrupt custom above described, or claims of undeserved credit, recur in their future reports, the utmost rigour of military law shall be exerted in punishing the offence."

In consequence of the desire of our imperial ancestor Camhi, to restore the vigour and promptitude of military discipline, we indeed