A design was once formed of removing the _Maison Carree_ to Versailles.

Colbert was the originator of this barbarous project, which, however, was fortunately abandoned from the fear of impairing, if not destroying, the beauty of the building.

The Emperor Napoleon is said to have entertained a similar notion, and meant to grace Paris with this model of architectural perfection; but it was found to be too solidly built to admit of removal, and he who could shake empires, could not stir the _Maison Carree_.
The transportation of antiquities from their original site can never be excused, except in cases where it was the only means of insuring their preservation.

All the power of association is lost when they are transferred to other places; and the view of them ceases to afford that satisfaction experienced when beheld where they were primarily destined to stand.

I can no more fancy the _Maison Carree_ appropriately placed in the bustle and gaiety of Paris, than I could endure to see one of the temples at Paestum stuck down at Charing Cross.
One loves, when contemplating such precious memorials of antiquity, to look around on the objects in nature, still wearing the same aspect as when they were reared.