In the Mexican Ruins numerous instances are found of the Cross,—it is in Sculpture and Stucco:—some small apertures bear the same form, as thus, ✚ :—the lower part being inconvenient for its specific adaptation,—it was not, therefore, used. In one of the minor temples at Palenque, the Cross with the lower part is distinct, and in full proportion,—thus proving the "long Cross" of Astartē,—the Tyrian Goddess,—to be upon those Ruins. But without that—(for we desire to reserve the sculpture containing the long Cross for a future application)—the numerous Crosses, of a minor character upon other Ruins are sufficient to testify to the worship, or knowledge of Astartē, and her symbolical attributes being known to the Mexican Aborigines.
Another analogy is in the Altars of perpetual fire,—and their being watched by the Virgins of the Sun. This was practised by the Tyrians as a branch of their worship of the God of Fire—Apollo. The Roman Vestals were copied from those of Phœnicia. The same horrid punishment attended the loss of virtue by a Virgin of the Sun, both in Tyrus and Mexico,—this was also imitated by the Romans.
We have no history tracing the (to us) obscene worship of Priäpus (i. e. Baal-peor) to the Tyrians,—nor was it found among the Mexicans,—though it was practised by the Egyptians,—and even by the all-accomplished Greeks,—this was over 2000 years ago.[7]
The non-existence of this generative and religious worship by both Tyrians and Mexicans,—although practised by other ancient nations,—must be regarded as another proof of identity:—for identity can be proved by a negative,—with equal power to an affirmative custom. The strong analogies in Religion must be apparent to the reader.
SECTION II.
NATIONAL AND POLITICAL ANALOGIES—HISTORICAL AND TRADITIONAL—A TRANSLATION OF THE HIEROGLYPHICAL ALTAR OF COPAN, &c.
History proves the fact that the higher orders of animals and birds, have been selected as the symbolical emblems of different nations,—as for instance, the British Lion,—the Gallic Cock,—the Roman and the American Eagle, and many others. The Dove was the bird of Babylon and Nineveh,—this was natural, as those cities were the most ancient, and nearest to the time of the Deluge,—and consequently the Dove became the apparent emblem of safety; and it is a strong proof of the historical fact of the Deluge and the "Dove." The next beautiful bird of a peaceful character is the Swan, and this was selected by another immediate branch of Noah's family—viz., the Canaanites. It has already been shewn that the house of Canaan was the original of that of the Tyrians. The antiquary, Jacob Bryant, says concerning this emblem of the Canaanites, "that where they, or their descendants (i. e. Tyrians) may have settled, there will a story be found in reference to Swans." Now when the above learned writer penned that general remark, he little thought that it would be brought to bear upon the identity of the Tyrians in the Western Hemisphere; and therefore, in its application, it is of greater authority, from that very fact. He says—that where the Tyrians may have settled, we may expect to hear some story or tradition about a Swan or Swans. Admitting this to be truth, (and he is quoted as authority upon antiquities,) then is there proof that the Mexican Aborigines were Tyrians, as the following incident from acknowledged history will shew. About two centuries before the Spanish Conquest,—the Aztecas,—(Mexican proper) were oppressed by a neighbouring kingdom; the latter demanded as a tribute, that the former should bring one of their celebrated floating gardens from the Lake of Mexico,—this tributary present was accomplished, with great labour and difficulty. The next year this demand was repeated, and with this addition—viz., that their emblematical bird, the Swan, should, also, be brought with it, and in the Garden, sitting on her eggs,—and that the present should be so timed as to its arrival, that the eggs should be hatched, when the Garden was presented to the King demanding the National tribute;—this was actually accomplished, and the Cygnets came forth as the imperious Monarch received the present. Now the substance of the above was recorded by the Spanish Historian over three centuries since, and with no idea to establish that those Aborigines were Tyrians;—it may, therefore, be received as a record of fact,—at all events it came to the Historian from the Mexicans as a "story" of their race,—handed down from sire to son, as a "tradition" of their ancestors. In those respects alone—"story or tradition"—the proof of identity required by Bryant is completely established. "Where the Tyrians are you may expect to hear some story or tradition about Swans."—Well then, here is the "story" and "tradition" together with the historical fact,—and Swans form the material:—but, they have been dying in music for centuries yet unregarded;—they have been as a symbolical record buried in a people's Sepulchre,—and which the opening of a Nation's tomb has alone brought to light. The classic reader will remember, that Jupiter assumed the form of the Bird of Canaan, when he sought and won the love of Leda!
We will now endeavour to translate the Hieroglyphics, and Sculpture, upon, and around, the Chief Altar of Copan. We commence with the proposition that the hieroglyphics merely explain the Sculpture, and that if the Sculpture can be explained, the sense of the hieroglyphics, as a consequence, will be translated. If we shall read the Sculpture aright, we believe that it will be found to record a National Act of Friendship,—whereby the Tyrians had the power of reaching America. We will not anticipate our History by now stating the detail of that act of amity,—it will be sufficient for the present purpose to mention, that the act occurred between the Sidonians and the Tyrians,—it was an act of friendship in front of death itself,—and death in its most terrific form, both of torture and of infamy.
Mr. Stephens, in writing of the thirty-six compartments, or squares,—of hieroglyphics on the top of the Altar, says—