describes, we ought to be _very_ near them or _among_ them. Without
pretending to reconcile these contradictions, we can readily believe
that the ruins may produce a considerable effect, even at some
distance, if Denon's drawings are at all correct. As to the impression
made by a near inspection of these wonderful remains, there is no
discrepancy among travellers.

Thebes lay on each side of the river, and extended also on both sides
as far as the mountains. The tombs, which are on the western side,
reach even into the limits of the desert. Four principal villages
stand on the site of this ancient city,--Luxor and Carnak on the
eastern, Gournou and Medinet-Abou on the western side. The temple of
Luxor is very near the river, and there is here a good ancient jettée,
well built of bricks. The entrance to this temple is through a
magnificent propylon, or gateway, facing the north, 200 feet in front,
and 57 feet high above the present level of the soil. Before the
gateway stand the two most perfect obelisks that exist, formed, as
usual, of the red granite of Syene, and each about 80 feet high,
and from 8 to 10 feet wide at the base. Travellers differ in their
estimate of the width of the base, some, perhaps, taking the actual
measure on the surface of the soil while others may make allowance
for that part that is buried; for that the soil is much elevated will
appear from what follows: "Between these obelisks and the propylon are
two colossal statutes, also of red granite; from the difference of
the dresses it is judged that one was a male, the other a female,
figure;--they are nearly of equal sizes. Though buried in the ground
to the chest, they still measure 21 and 22 feet from thence to the top
of the mitre." Another cause of discrepancy in the measurements
may be, that the adjacent sides of the obelisks are of different
dimensions; which is generally the case.