who abound in riches; but those who, by the sweat of the brow, and the labour of the hands, can scarcely procure what is necessary to the purposes of life, are equally merciful and charitable."
DESCRIPTION OF THE FOUNTAIN IN THE GREAT SQUARE OF LIMA.
In the centre of the square, and three feet and a half above its plane, rises a level surface of masonry, the sides of which have a dimension of fifteen yards. The ascent of stone with which it is provided, is surrounded by an open aqueduct, to collect the discharged water, which thence precipitates itself into a moat. Above is stationed the principal basin, having a diameter of nine yards, surmounted by eight lions, and as many griffons recumbent at their feet. It is covered externally with exquisite moldings and vases of flowers in bas-relief, and internally lined, both on its plane and circle, with an inlaid pavement of different colours. In the centre it has a pedestal, eighteen feet in height, composed of three square partitions[1], finely ornamented. This pedestal supports the second basin, three yards in diameter, which dis-
- ↑ The first of these partitions, four feet in height, including its base and socle, is beautifully wrought. The second, which has an elevation of eleven feet, is decorated by moldings, and by foliage and other devices at the edges and corners. On the four sides are inscriptions containing the names and qualities of the persons who were concerned in the construction of the fountain. By one of these inscriptions it appears, that the pile was raised, by order of count Salvatierra, the viceroy, by Antonio De Rivas, a celebrated architect, in 1650. The third partition is three feet in height, and is adorned with a variety of curious devices.
