principal parts disposed after this manner; that is, the labyrinth of Crete, built upon a long quadrate, containing five large squares; communicating by right inflexions, terminating in the centre of the middle square, and lodging of the Minotaur, if we conform unto the description of the elegant medal thereof in Agostino.[A 1] And though in many accounts we reckon grossly by the square, yet is that very often to be accepted as a long-sided quadrate, which was the figure of the ark of the covenant, the table of the shew-bread, and the stone wherein the names of the twelve tribes were engraved, that is, three in a row, naturally making a longilateral figure, the perfect quadrate being made by nine.
What figure the stones themselves maintained, tradition and Scripture are silent, yet lapidaries in precious stones affect a table or long square, and in such proportion, that the two lateral, and also the three inferior tables are equal unto the superior; and the angles of the lateral tables contain and constitute the hypothenusæ, or broader sides subtending.
That the tables of the law were of this figure, general imitation and tradition hath confirmed. Yet are we unwilling to load the shoulders of Moses with such massy stones, as some pictures lay upon them; since it is plainly delivered that he came down with them in his hand; since the word strictly taken implies no such massy hewing, but cutting, and fashioning of them into shape and surface; since some will have them emeralds, and if they were made of the materials of Mount Sinai, not improbable that they were marble; since the words were not many, the letters short of seven hundred, and the tables,[B 1] written on both sides, required no such capacity.
The beds of the ancients were different from ours at present, which are almost square, being framed oblong, and about a double unto their breadth; not much unlike the area, or bed of this quincuncial quadrate. The single beds of Greece were six feet[A 2] and a little more in length, three in breadth; the giant-like bed of Og, which had four cubits of
- ↑ tables.] Pineda thinks the tables of the law were of sapphire.—Jeff.
