|
Further on, down the steps and along the lane, among the x of cupressus sempervirens and scented lavender bushes, we come to the Temple of Bacchus. Clearly inspired by the classics, supported by eight Doric columns. On the decorated trabeation we can read the following inscription by Catallus: “Oquid solutes est beatius curis cum mens onus reponit ac peregrine labore fessi venimus larem ad nostrum desiteratosque acquiescimus lecto”(what is finer than, when work is done, with a mind free of every worry and tired from the effort on behalf of others, than when we return to our homes and lie down to rest on the bed we so desired). In the centre, on a pedestal, there is a fine bronze statue; liberating and propitiatory music and dance, with a Satyr supporting Bacchus with his inevitable bunches of grapes. Highly figurative, the temple was probably conceived by Lord Grimthorpe as the place where his memory could be preserved. His ashes, upon his express wishes, were buried at the foot of the pedestal.Photogallery
|
