Page:The Rambler in Mexico.djvu/193

Rh out of my power. The majority of the hieroglyphic signs—for such they doubtless are—resembled nothing in heaven or earth; but in many parts I detected the clothed human figures, seemingly reposing in the Asiatic manner.

Whether each face of the structure bore throughout similar devices, placed in exactly similar positions, I do not recollect positively: I think not; at the same time it was certainly the case at the angles, where some of the richest and most singular figures were to be found. The ornament which has been described as "a crocodile spouting water," is of very large size, and must have been repeated eight times in each story, by being symmetrically placed at either extremity of the inclined basement of the structure.

As to its bearing resemblance to "a crocodile spouting water," that is a mere fancy; it may as well portray the head of a grifiin, or of any other fanciful monster; and what the ancient observer interpreted as a jet of water, was, in my eyes, intended to represent a double tongue.

We were now nearly blinded by the heat and glare; and after half an hour's survey, and reiterated but abortive attempts at a detailed sketch, I was glad to join my companions in beating a retreat; for the vertical sun's rays left no side of the building in shade, and the trees and shrubs which grew on the borders of the enclosure, and upon the ruins, were leafless and desolate.

Masses of hewn stone were strewed about the base, and lay in disorder on the building itself. In the centre of the teocalli was an excavation, but evidently made in modern times, probably in a search after hidden treasure; and yet, that the second story of the pyramid, at least, had contained a chamber, I satisfied myself, by discovering on one of the western faces, among the base stones of that story, which had not been moved from their original position, one mass, which, both by its situation and the fact of its being sculptured on two of its adjoining faces, plainly indicated its having served as a doorpost. Its fellow was not in its place, but I have not the slightest doubt of the fact.