Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-12-06
Original Nornl Gnle.
WRITTEN FOR THE JOURNAL
THE
@AAMWA M MfssR Y
fcoPY YRIGHr SECURED.
CHAPTER X.

On the y North side of an irregular square, at
the base OF the Capatolne Hill, stood an old
massive building, of vast dimensions. There
was something. however, rather gloomy in its
appearance, though evincing surprising archi-
tcctural taste, considering the barbarous age
in which it was designed.
Its form was oblong and its walls were Of
great thickness, and composed of large, square
blocks Of stone, cemented together by mix
tnre of clay and bitumen. It's walls, more
over, were perforated b. square holes for the
admission of light while the single door or
entrance opened directly on the great square.
Along its entire front. as we'll IS sides, extend
ed magnificent portico, supported by lofty
arches, adding much to the external grandeur
Of the edeflce. but bearing evidence OF being
supplement from an age more modern and
refined in its taste.
The whole exterior aspect of the building
was grand. but inspired the mind with feelings
81 awe rather than admiration, and conducted
:he thou ghts back to very remote antiquity
Its interior, which was large and capacious,
.sas eucempassed with rows OF seats, common
cling some distance from the walls, and rising
back, one above another, sufficient to accom-
Inodate several thousand persons.
Several rows, moreover, of futed marble
columns supported the roof or awning with
which it was covered, giving to it the appear
ance Of strength and security, as well IS inter
nal grandeur.
In it's ceutre, stood a sort of throne or ros-
trum. This consisted of several oblong plat
forms Of marble, each three or four feet short
er in length as we'll as breadth, forming as
masy steps till the top-most, on which stood
a curiously wrought chair, of the finest and
purest marble-though very antiquated in ap-
pearance.
This was the Roman Forum, or court of JUS
tice, built by Romulus, though indebted for
most OF its external grandeur TO Tarquinius
Priscus.
For several days past, however, it has been
converted into sort of mock-eclesiastica
court; and it was here that the poor, perseeu'
ted Christians were driven, like sheep to the
slaughter; and it was upon the fires kept con-
.tinually burning in the great square outside,
that they were piled as so much ready made
fuel.
The buildings adjacent, and facing the re-
,maining sides of the square, at this period
were remarkable for nothing except their ir-
regularity, and low, dingy, gloomy aspect
Some of them were used as prisons or dun
geons, while most of them were occupied by
soldiers of the lowest grade
But we have referred to the building in ques-
ton, to introduce the reader to his majesty
the Emperor; and especially to sketch scene
going on within its massive walls.
1t is an hour or more after dark. The heav-
sus are again overcast with black, frowning
clouds There is an occasional fash of vivid,
sheeted tightening, Illuminating the whole
hemisphere, followed by low, rumbling thun-
der in she distance.
The streets, however, are little more quiet
than usual. The shouts and rawlings Of the
Emperor's soldiers and slaves are, perhaps